On this heavy snowy night, Yang Huiyan dreamed of the old things that happened many years ago.
In the dilapidated thatched hut, his stepmother held his younger brother who was emaciated and sick and cried: “All the bark and grassroots people in this city eat has finished… you need to make a decision or else… The whole family will starve to death together…”
He clearly knew he was dreaming, his former weak and helpless self has disappeared and only exists in a corner of his memory. Like an outsider, he looked at the scene coldly and indifferently.
His nominal biological father stared at him, his eyes as fierce as a hungry wolf, a hemp rope looped around his neck, and he was pulled out the door like livestock.
He knew what awaits him, numb, and stumbling and being dragged by the rope.
In the winter of Beifeng, the accumulated snow thickness did not surpass one’s knee.
The royal family in Beifeng was indifferent, and all the high-ranking people knew nothing but indulgence and enjoyment and did not care about the survival of the people at the bottom.
Their small town suffered from snow disasters for three consecutive years, and their crops were frozen to death before they could grow. Without food, they would eat bark, grassroots, and even worm eggs and red soil. When all the dirt was eaten up, they could only kill each other for food.
The city was lying in waste, devoid of human habitation, nine out of ten rooms were empty. Those who can escape have escaped, and those who cannot escape will stay and die. The cold north wind blew past, and you could vaguely see the bones buried deep in the snow.
He was taken to the only butcher’s house in the city, where the scent of meat waft about all year round. The yard was full of large and small cages, containing people, both old and weak.
The man pushed him over and watched the boiling broth; swallowing saliva: “This… eight years old…”
The brawny man in a dirty apron came over with a sharp knife, pinching his hungry skinny thin body, his tone full of disdain: “A bone, there are few portions of meat.”
The two men began to bargain like they are ordinarily selling livestock, everyone was not willing to suffer losses.
He stood numbly; his heart silent. It didn’t matter, sooner or later this day will come…
With a bang, the humble courtyard door was suddenly kicked open, and everyone was stunned.
A young man in blue walked in slowly, and every step of his seemed to bring heavy anger and power to oppress this dirty and bloody little courtyard.
“Actually doing this worse-than-a-beast business, you all deserve to die…”
He stared blankly at the pale young man who was getting closer and closer. His body was not great, but he was like a god in his eyes.
The dead heart shivered slightly.
Master…
Freed from the entanglement of nightmares, Yang Huiyan subconsciously confirmed the existence of the person around him. Feeling that familiar cool body temperature, he slowly breathed a sigh of relief.
The horizon displayed the marble white color of the dawn sky, the cold northwest wind sneaked in through the window slits, the temperature dropped suddenly last night. Yang Huiyan lightly got up from the bed, opened the corner of the window, and looked out, seeing the snow.
Behind him was Yin Li’s confused voice: “What time is it?”
“Its maoshi(1), master.” Yang Huiyan closed the window, moved the ashes that went out last night, added new charcoal, and recited the igniting spell, With a light flick of the finger, the orange flame burned.
Putting a teapot on the fire and adding medicinal herb to the clear water in the pot were all done last night, he came back to wait for Yin Li to get up and wash.
After washing his face with warm water, Yin Li became clear-headed and started thinking about what to do today: “It’s been five days, why hasn’t Beifeng’s second prince replied us?”
As early as the second day after he arrived at the county, he sent a ghost cultivator to the second prince of Beifeng, inquiring about the time of the talk between the two sides, but no reply has been received so far. The exchange of interests between Xi Yin and Bei Feng has already been reached, and the second prince of Bei Feng should not unilaterally ruin the contract.
Yang Huiyan crouched on the ground and helped him put on his boots: “Perhaps he is having a headache rectifying the people who swarmed the county after hearing news of the venerable blood sea demon’s treasures.”
Now the Second Prince of Beifengguo is standing on a cusp, everyone in the world knows that the descendant of the Blood Sea Demon Lord is in his hand, and it is he who is most likely to obtain the treasure. His every move is being closely monitored.
Yin Li shook his head, his tone couldn’t conceal his disappointment: “In this case, it is necessary to hurry up. It’s been five days and he still hasn’t made a move. Is he deceiving himself thinking the other treasure hunters will withdraw?”.”
If they could trade places, Yin Li would have already come up with several solutions, maybe release fake news to confuse everyone, or used force to suppress the thieves. Nevertheless, he would resolve the current situation rather than putting it off until sometime later.
Before meeting him, he lowered his opinionof Beifeng’s second prince.
“The second prince named Feng Qinghong is said to be the most beloved son of the current master of Beifeng.” Yang Huiyan’s tone was disdainful. “His mother relied on him to defeat the original empress. Beifeng’s current crown prince has been sitting on the cold bench, fearfully making every effort to protect himself.”
Yin Li said: “I feel the son should lean on the mother and not mother on the son.”
At that time, the emperor of Beifeng abandoned the original empress and changed to a new one. They also heard about it in Xiyin. To the orthodox cultivator, such a thing is regarded as a disgrace, after all, dao companions wed under the heavenly law, how can you speak of divorce or act on it.
Heavenly law, the chief witness at a wedding ceremony hates this kind of breaking a promise. Without “sincerity” in “Tao”, you would be unable to ascend in your lifetime.
This is why most cultivators would rather be single dogs for a lifetime, abandon the temptation of double cultivation, and make do without having a dao companion.
The Taoist marriage alliance is a double-edged sword and may harm oneself.
Yin Li couldn’t wait any longer and decided to take the initiative. He sent the ghost cultivating guard to send the note again, with a stronger wording than last time.
Under his pressure, Feng Qinghong finally finalized the specific time for the talk between the two sides.
The meeting place was set in the rear court of Liuxian County government, which originally belonged to the private residence of the county magistrate.
When Yin Li and Yang Huiyan arrived, Feng Qinghong came out to personally meet them, and the two parties exchanged greetings, and the atmosphere was fairly harmonious.
Feng Qinghong was more than 100 years old, and his cultivation was middle foundation building. His appearance was quite handsome, and there was faint arrogance in his speech. Following behind him were numerous flower and jade-like imperial maids, some carried the incense burner, some held the fan, and some spread the petals…
Compared to his royal faction, Yin Li traveled with a simple Yang Huiyan in plain clothes, which seemed a bit shabby.
Entering the living room, Feng Qinghong sat on the head, and several young ladies led Yin Li to sit on the first guest seat and brought tea, Yin Li in the middle was faintly annoyed. Behind them, Yang Huiyan’s expression chilled.
Generally speaking, a guest should suit the convenience of the host. Yin Li’s temperament is gentle and low-key, and he is not a man to care about little things.
But the situation is different now. He did not come as an individual, but on behalf of Xi Yin State to Bei Feng State for diplomatic negotiations.
Xiyin’s national strength is far stronger than that of Beifeng. If there is a war between the two sides, Xiyin will definitely be able to beat Beifeng.
The weak country has no diplomacy. If the second prince of Beifeng knows the current affairs, he should show a more respectful attitude. He should ask the sixth prince of Xiyin to sit on the head as well.
According to the current situation, Feng Qinghong obviously wanted to put on airs in front of Yin Li.
“Your Highness came from afar, you must be tired from your journey. I originally wanted you to rest for a few more days to recuperate and recharge. I did not expect Your Highness to be so anxious.” This was worded politely but carried a hint of blame.
Yin Li didn’t want to waste time talking in circles with him, and said straight away: “When will the Second Prince prepare to leave for the treasure place of the Venerable blood sea demon?”
Feng Qinghong’s expression was slightly uncomfortable: “Your Highness also knows that rumors are flying outside, and there are a lot of high-level cultivators who are waiting for us to start so they can follow for cheap. For insurance, it is better to wait for a while.”
Yin Li gave Feng Qinghong a deep look, he has always been as bright as a torch. How many jin and liang(2) the person in front of him possesses, he can clearly see.
The second prince of Beifeng was not capable of actually accomplishing something.
Following in the pace of he who is overcautious and indecisive and lacking plans is nothing but a waste of time. As the old saying goes, you are not afraid of God-like opponents, but pig-like teammates.
Yin Li was unwilling to do his utmost in front of this person but also have to take precautions against being plotted against by him in the future.
Yin Li raised the teacup and gently blew on it, but did not drink it: “we are in Beifeng, second highness’ territory, it is reasonable to listen to your arrangements”
Feng Qinghong saw Yin Li’s concession, and his face eased: “Your Highness shouldn’t worry, I have a plan in my heart. Sooner or later, the treasure of the Blood Sea Demon will fall into our pockets.”
Yin Li smiled slightly: “I heard that the descendant of the venerable blood sea demon is in the hands of His Royal Highness, I wonder if you would let me see?”
Feng Qinghong hesitated for a while, the woman was his final card, and naturally could not be handed over to outsiders: “This…”
Yin Li asked: “Does your second Highness not trust me? We were originally people on the same boat, it shouldn’t be difficult to share information?”
Feng Qinghong looked slightly embarrassed. He didn’t expect that Yin Li, who looked feeble like a chronic invalid would actually be aggressive and have strong momentum like this.
They are both a country’s prince, who is more honorable than anyone else. Thinking of this, Feng Qinghong’s heart was filled with anger and his tone became strong. He was used to being lavished praises by slaves in the palace from an early age, followed by dozens of bodyguards in the late Golden core stage. Such a force was more than enough to destroy a small country.
Yin Li and Yang Huiyan were only two people, not worth mentioning in his eyes.
He said coldly: “The woman is extremely cunning. I’m holding her in a special cage. It’s not convenient for her to come out. So, when the situation settles down in the future, I will personally hand the woman to His Royal Highness, to interrogate as you please. “
Yin Li heavily grasped the cup on the tea table, his face like frost: ” there is little sincerity in second prince’s words, is it possible you feel my xi yin likes to cheat? “
Behind, Yang Huiyan on seeing Yin Li angry, a blue-violet flame erupted in his fingers, and he stared threateningly at Feng Qinghong. The spiritual pressure belonging to the Golden core cultivators instantly enveloped the living room.
Feng Qinghong’s face instantly turned white, but he refused to show his ugly state: “Well, you Xiyin really have no one in your eyes, arrogant and unreasonable!”
He threw the teacup on the ground angrily, and more than a dozen Golden core masters surrounded Yin Li and Yang Huiyan: “Humph, refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit!(3)“
Yin Li was not restless nor feeling urgent as he looked around, his face calm.
Yang Huiyan’s mouth twitched and revealed bewitching smile, and he applauded gently: “This is what we want to say, you stupid idiot who failed to appreciate one’s kindness.”
Ghost-cultivating secret guards popped out from hidden corners in the living room, and before Feng Qinghong reacted, they crushed those Golden core cultivators from Beifeng with absolute force.
Feng Qinghong wanted to escape when he saw the situation, but Yang Huiyan instantly stepped forward and clutched his throat, throwing him to Yin Li’s feet like a little chicken.
Yin Li didn’t lift his eyelids: “Should I give him to you to ask where the descendant of the venerable blood sea demon is?”
He showed kindness to the people in the world, but he had no sympathy for those nobles who were in high positions and cruel. The royal family was obviously on this list.
Yang Huiyan smiled happily as if he has been given a rare toy.
“Yes, master, this slave will certainly fulfill his mission.”
(3) Submitting to someone’s pressure after first turning down their request. back
T/N: I have a big exam coming up at the end of the month, so there won’t be an upload that week.For the two weeks preceding that,I hope to upload but can’t make any guarantee due to exam prep, so this might be the only upload this month and if so, see you all next month.
P.S. I should still be able to answer any question anyone might have.
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Thanks for the chapter! ♥️♥️♥️
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