Chapter 557: A Threat from the Imperial Capital |
"You two handle it together. Since the princess is willing, there's no need to stop her."
Ning Qi saw the situation and reminded everyone, "Hurry up, everyone."
"This..."
Commander Li still hesitated a little.
"Stop standing there, start moving."
Li Xiangrou clapped her hands, urging everyone to move.
After experiencing such an upheaval, she had matured a lot.
"Yes!"
"Let's all do it together."
Ning Qi watched the scene before him and smiled with satisfaction.
"Master, that girl really has grown fast."
The Pill Spirit also praised.
"Indeed, she has grown a lot compared to the beginning."
Ning Qi nodded, a trace of gratification flashing in his eyes.
The two of them then went over to help.
They cleaned the place up quickly.
After an hour, they set off again.
What happened here passed quickly; apart from the smell of blood, no one knew what had just occurred.
"We can reach a courier post ahead before dark."
Commander Li told everyone, "Hold on, we’ll rest at the post tonight."
"We'll set off again tomorrow."
"Good!"
...
Everyone agreed, then continued pressing forward.
By evening they finally left the forest.
They arrived at the courier post ten li away.
"Whew!"
The evening breeze blew across the grass, bringing a refreshing feeling to everyone.
After a day of trekking and a major battle, they were exhausted.
"Finally arrived."
"Yeah, that was a close brush with death."
"With the princess and Ning Gongzi here, we'll be fine."
......
Everyone sighed in relief.
Although tired, they were spirited.
After the previous battle, they all gave off a murderous aura.
Before they arrived, Commander Li had already sent people ahead to greet the post staff.
When the group reached the courtyard outside the post, guards came out to meet them.
"Sir, the chambers are ready."
"There are also two excellent Sumeru Courtyards available!"
The guard led horses forward and informed them.
"Good!"
"You two, take the young lady to arrange her rooms."
Commander Li agreed, then sent them to fetch Li Xiangrou.
"Yes!"
The guards responded and hurried toward Li Xiangrou.
They reached her quickly.
At that moment, she was chatting with Ning Qi.
"Miss, we can move to the Sumeru Courtyard."
The guard stepped forward and spoke respectfully.
"Alright, let's go."
Li Xiangrou agreed and left with them.
Ning Qi and the Pill Spirit followed closely.
They soon arrived at a courtyard door.
The attendant opened the door and they entered one after another.
This little courtyard was like a secluded paradise, with small bridges and flowing water all around.
Compared to the courtyards they had visited before, this one was much nicer.
"Master, I didn't expect to find such a courtyard in this remote area."
The Pill Spirit admired the surroundings, "You really can't judge a place by its appearance."
"Indeed, it's surprising."
Ning Qi also praised the place, then looked ahead. "Someone put a lot of thought into this."
"This is our Yue Kingdom's courier post. Once you're here, you're already within Yue territory."
Li Xiangrou responded after hearing him.
"Oh? This is already Yue territory."
Ning Qi was curious as he looked around, "It seems your Yue Kingdom is quite wealthy. Even a small courier post has such fine arrangements."
"Indeed, and our strength is also top-tier among neighboring nations."
"It's a pity our internal strife is so severe, or we could have easily dominated."
Li Xiangrou replied proudly, her eyes flashing with seriousness, "If it were up to me, I'd make sure this infighting stops from now on."
"Then we'll see what you can do."
Ning Qi did not say more or offer opinions.
Matters like these were better handled by her.
They then found their respective chambers and rested.
During this time, Ning Qi returned to his Sumeru Pocket Dimension to continue cultivating his techniques.
He gradually refined his Shengguang, Wind Control, and Flow Severing to perfection.
As time passed, he began training other techniques.
In the latter half of the night, Ning Qi stopped training and sat cross-legged to recuperate his energy.
The night quietly passed.
In a mansion lit up a thousand miles away in the imperial capital, lamps still burned in the meeting hall where several people sat uneasily.
At the main seat sat a lavishly dressed young lady.
Her appearance bore some resemblance to Li Xiangrou; below her sat several people.
A few stood in the center of the room.
"What, even four True Immortal experts couldn't return?"
The young lady's expression was grave, her tone cold.
"Princess Rou, yes."
"They... have all been killed!"
A man standing in the center lifted his head to report.
The girl before them was none other than Li Xiangrou's imperial elder sister, Li Fengrou.
"Hmph, what kind of expert could she possibly have by her side to kill my four True Immortal specialists?"
Li Fengrou snorted coldly, then continued, "Where is she now?"
"Your Highness, she has already reached a courier post at our border. Given the speed of their divine mounts, it will take them about three to four days to return."
Another person added.
"We must find a way to stop her from returning, so she can never come back."
Li Fengrou's expression hardened at that, "If you have any methods, speak up."
"Your Highness, this old minister believes the only way is to have Zhao Tianling's master, Xiao Lingtian, intervene."
The man who had spoken before thought for a moment and continued, "He has just had four disciples killed; he will surely seek revenge."
"We can ride that momentum, and everything will fall into place."
"Will he act?"
"Yes, that old man is stubborn."
"If his disciples were killed, he will definitely retaliate."
...
The others began to discuss it anxiously.
Each wore a serious expression.
Clearly, they were unsure whether they could get the old man to act.
"Leave this matter to you. This time make sure she never reaches home."
A ruthless look flashed through Li Fengrou's eyes, "My imperial younger sister is stubborn and insists on returning. If she can't, don't blame me for being merciless."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
...
Those below responded in unison, all solemn.
After everyone withdrew, Li Fengrou rose and headed to the backyard.
She climbed onto an artificial hill in the mansion.
From here, she could see the direction of the imperial capital.
Lights blazed there, and from afar streams of spiritual energy coiled in the air.
That was the place she longed for.
Only it did not belong to her yet.
"Your Highness, shall I intervene?"
As she watched, a voice came from behind.
"Xue Jiancheng, you heard just now that my imperial sister may have powerful assistance."
Li Fengrou turned to look at him, "If you go, do you have confidence?"
"I have the strength of a half-step Celestial Immortal now. Even if he's strong, so what?"
"If Xiao Lingtian does not go, then I will handle him."
"I want to see who this mystery expert really is."
Xue Jiancheng revealed a cold expression and spoke icily.
"Fine, then follow him secretly."
"If Xiao Lingtian fails, you intervene."
Li Fengrou thought for a moment, then said seriously, "Be careful."
"Don't worry, I will be careful. It's decided."
Xue Jiancheng smiled arrogantly, confident of victory.
"Good. Whether I can live there will depend on you."
Li Fengrou extended a delicate hand and pointed toward the imperial capital.
Her eyes carried a look of resolute determination.
......
After a night of recuperation, Ning Qi woke refreshed.
When the morning sunlight poured in, he came out of his meditation.
Leaving his chamber, he soon saw Li Xiangrou seated by the stream outside, watching the water quietly flow past.
"What brings you here in such a mood?"
Ning Qi walked over and asked with a smile.
"Ning Qi, in about three days we can return."
"But these past two days, my elder sister certainly will not allow me to go back."
Li Xiangrou thought a moment, then said, "Do you think there's any way to bypass her obstruction?"
"Are there any other routes you can take?"
Ning Qi thought as well, and asked in a low voice.
"No. Any other route would be a very long detour, and we don't know if she has spies here."
"Even if we detoured, she would notice!"
Li Xiangrou shook her head and sighed, "The road ahead will be even more dangerous. She won't let this go."
"If that's the case, then we just go straight through."
"I'll protect you on the way!"
Ning Qi didn't hesitate; he was actually more interested in the road ahead.
Their opponents would only get stronger, which would be a chance to test his current strength.
These people were too weak now for him to measure himself.
"How can I ever repay you for such a huge favor?"
Li Xiangrou's eyes showed gratitude at his words.
Without Ning Qi, she wouldn't have made it this far.
From their first meeting until yesterday, Ning Qi had always stepped forward at critical moments.
"No need to repay me."
Ning Qi smiled, unconcerned, "As long as you arrive safely at the imperial capital, my task is complete."
"This is fate between us. Consider it a form of practice."
"If the chance arises, I will repay you."
Li Xiangrou shook her head and replied earnestly, "If you need anything in the future, I'll lead the Yue Kingdom to cross fire and water to help you."
"Oh? If that day really comes, I won't be polite."
Ning Qi half-joked.
In truth, the distance between them made it unlikely he'd ever need her help. If an irresistible enemy came, even she could be useless.
"It's a deal. I'll wait for your news!"
Li Xiangrou believed him sincerely, her eyes full of earnestness.
"Alright, I won't be polite then!"
Ning Qi agreed, glanced at the sky, and said, "It's getting late, let's go and prepare to depart."
"Alright!"
Li Xiangrou nodded slightly and stood up.
They walked to the gate of the Sumeru Courtyard and stepped outside.
"Whew!"
They reached the downstairs area together and saw the guards and Commander Li eating breakfast.
"Miss, the food is ready."
Commander Li greeted her respectfully when he saw her.
"Good! Let's eat quickly. We'll set off right after."
Li Xiangrou agreed and sat down.
They hurried through breakfast.
Half an hour later, the group was ready.
"Move out!"
Commander Li gave the order.
The caravan resumed travel.
Ning Qi still rode in the same carriage as Li Xiangrou, and he drove the carriage.
"Ning Qi, do you think those who failed yesterday will come again today?"
Li Xiangrou was still worried.
"That depends on your elder sister's nature."
"If it were me, I wouldn't let you get close to the imperial capital!"
Ning Qi said seriously, "The closer these days get, the more she'll try to prevent your arrival."
"Yesterday was just an appetizer; the real test is yet to come."
"She doesn't have many with True Immortal strength under her command."
"These people were probably promised a lot for assisting her."
Li Xiangrou began to calculate, "They must have been offered many promises so they'd agree to help her; otherwise no one would risk it."
"That's none of my concern."
"I just hope she sends a few people with true strength."
"Otherwise, it'll be a waste of my time."
Ning Qi shrugged, putting on an innocent look, "Those who showed up yesterday shouldn't come again. If they do, they’re just sending themselves to die; they're not my opponents."
"I wish I had your strength. Then I wouldn't have to worry about this."
Li Xiangrou blushed slightly at his remark.
"You will reach that strength one day. Keep the miraculous elixirs and the techniques and weapons I gave you."
"They will be useful later. As long as you persist in cultivation, you'll catch up to me quickly."
Ning Qi smiled at Li Xiangrou, "Once you've used them up, you'll have to find ways to obtain more yourself."
"Before that happens, I'll break through to True Immortal strength."
Li Xiangrou's face showed firm determination.
"You definitely can."
Ning Qi continued to encourage her.
"Master, that girl has tenacity. I feel she can do it."
Hearing their idle chatter, the Pill Spirit chimed in,