200: Guang'an Prefecture 800 miles express (asking for monthly ticket)

In the afternoon, on Yunding Peak, at Xuntian Hall.

Pei Yanhu stood in the center of the main hall, as an official dressed in a green robe with flying birds reported respectfully:

"Two Grand Ministers, your subordinate has settled everything."

"It's just that the two adults said they didn't need servants and ordered no one to disturb them."

"Your subordinate only sent some tea and refreshments, then withdrew."

Pei Yanhu's eyes held a complicated expression at this moment. He nodded and seriously instructed,

"The two old adults have traveled a long distance and need rest. Leave some people outside to attend to them at all times; do not be negligent."

"Your subordinate understands!"

The official responded and then excused himself, turning to leave the hall.

Just then, outside the hall, the clanking of armor accompanied by footsteps could be heard.

Following that, a Recorder in light armor entered, passing the departing official.

This Recorder was a subordinate of Pei Yanhu, responsible for managing relevant documents and assisting Pei Yanhu in supervising the Dao Fu Division's affairs. His martial cultivation was at the Tian Guan Dao Seed Realm.

After entering, he stepped forward and bowed to Pei Yanhu.

"Commander Pei!"

"Have you found out the identities of those people?" Pei Yanhu's tiger-like eyes flashed as he asked.

Pei Yanhu was asking about the ten individuals.

According to the two Grand Ministers, these people were all disciples from the families of Central Court officials and were not here to provide support; they were not "on the same side" as the Dao Fu Division.

As the center of the entire Dynasty, where all the world's winds and clouds gathered, these official and noble scions from the Central Court all displayed strength far exceeding that of the younger generation in Shu Land. According to the Grand Minister, a thousand years ago, most of Shu Land's Luck was used to suppress the Yao Race in the Ten Thousand Mountains. Although it wasn't explicitly stated, for a thousand years, Shu Land's Luck had been diminished, leading to weak martial cultivation there, making it difficult for great Divine Ability users to emerge, and it became a desolate, wild land in the eyes of the important figures.

However, this time, with the Yao Race breaking through the Heavenly Gate and the Restrictions being broken, the Shu Land Luck used to seal the Ten Thousand Mountains returned to heaven and earth. Those well-informed individuals in the Central Court sent their Family disciples to contend for this Luck. Moreover, as this news spread, more and more powerhouses would flock to Shu Land.

This stirred up a surge of Qi in Pei Yanhu's heart.

While his Ten Thousand Fushi soldiers fought bloody battles against the Yao Race on the front lines, what were those Central Court fellows doing? Sending their younger generation to contend for Shu Land's Luck? What a pile of dog shit.

Furthermore, these individuals were all formidable in martial arts, and their backgrounds were likely extraordinary. They were not subject to the Dao Fu Division's control, making them restless elements. As he was stationed in the Dao Fu Division, given the current situation, he viewed all these people as trouble.

Thus, he immediately ordered his subordinates to inquire about their origins and backgrounds!

However, upon hearing this, the Recorder's expression turned somewhat grim. "Reporting to Commander, these ten people are not easy to deal with. Some are superficially polite but distant at heart, while others simply display arrogance on their Faces. Damn it, Commander treated them with courtesy, arranged their lodging and meals, and tried his best to satisfy them, but the soldiers reported that these people seem to regard us as a bunch of country bumpkins."

As he spoke, the Recorder clearly showed his irritation.

Pei Yanhu's brows furrowed as he listened.

"Central Court disciples wouldn't be so shallow; it must be isolated cases."

"Or perhaps," Pei Yanhu said, his Face expressionless, "the strength of my Dao Fu Division doesn't command respect from others. After all, in this world, if you're strong enough, people will respect and flatter you."

"If you're not strong, hehe, they won't even bother to feign politeness."

Then, changing the subject, he asked, "What are the movements of these ten people?"

The Recorder recalled something and reported, "Reporting to Commander, six of them entered their rooms and haven't come out. Three others went out together, without saying anything, and directly broke through the Restriction for descending the mountain to go into the city. As for the last one, he behaved differently from the others; he was very friendly and proactively inquired about someone from one of my subordinate armored guards."

Upon hearing this, Pei Yanhu's light yellow eyebrows raised. "Oh? Inquired about whom?"

"Ninth Zhonglang! This person said he had heard of Ninth Zhonglang's prestige when he passed through Tianxiong Pass and wished to pay him a visit."

"Did this person inquire about anything else?"

"My subordinate said that Ninth Zhonglang was not in the Dao Fu Division and had gone to Guangan Prefecture. That person then said it was a pity and returned to his room," the Recorder truthfully stated.

Pei Yanhu frowned upon hearing this. These words seemed to have nothing wrong with them.

Chen Yuan had indeed led his forces to Tianxiong Pass to quell the rebellion, achieving considerable renown. Moreover, traveling from the Central Plains to Shu Land indeed required passing through Tianxiong Pass, so hearing of the Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General's reputation was quite normal.

However, for someone from the Central Court to hear of the Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General's reputation and wish to visit him—while it could be explained, there was something awkward about it.

Pei Yanhu valued Chen Yuan. He was a Zhonglang General whom he had personally promoted and entrusted with important responsibilities. Currently, Chen Yuan was in Guangan Prefecture, holding the front line against the Yao Race, and there were personal reasons for him not to fail.

After a moment of thought, Pei Yanhu paced back and forth a few steps. Then, he stopped, his bloodshot eyes looking at his subordinate, the Recorder, and instructed:

"Didn't three people go out to tour Jinguancheng? Councilor Yang, find these three people and accompany them personally. I imagine these few won't refuse to give Face. Then, extract information about the person who inquired about Ninth Zhonglang. They traveled together, so they should know each other's backgrounds. It will just be a bit of a bother for you!"

"Commander, you overstate it. Your subordinate will go immediately. Everyone in the city is ours, so finding these three people won't be difficult."

With that, the Recorder bowed and left to find the people.

As he departed, the moon rose and the sun set, and time moved into the night.

At Hai Shi, commonly known as Dinghun, the night was deep, and most of the city's residents had already retired.

At this moment, in the southern part of Jinguancheng, a silver streak of light pierced through the night, like a meteor chasing the moon, swiftly flying towards Yunding Mountain. Within Yunding Mountain, patrolling armored guards shouted.

Immediately following, an eagle's cry startled the air. From the silver light came a loud shout.

"Eight hundred li urgent dispatch from Guangan Prefecture!"

"Make way!"

Then, the silver light passed unimpeded, flying directly to Xuntian Hall on Yunding Peak.

At this time, in a courtyard halfway up Yunding Mountain, figures sitting cross-legged opened their eyes, which shimmered with divine light in the darkness, looking outside.

Some, with indifferent eyes, glanced once and then closed their eyes again.

Some, with cold eyes, heard that the Yao Race had broken through the Heavenly Gate in the south, and the Dao Fu Division's troops here had all been sent to the front line, yet they continuously lost cities. A Dao Fu Division so weak was truly a disgrace. Seeing this situation, they probably suffered another defeat.

Among them, a pair of eyes, upon hearing the words "Guangan Prefecture," suddenly surged, gleaming with bone-chilling coldness.

At this moment, Pei Yanhu, who had been stationed at Xuntian Hall for several days and nights without closing his eyes, was sitting inside the hall, resting his head on one hand, his eyes half-closed, napping while waiting for the Recorder's investigation report.

Inside the hall, the dim candlelight flickered, creating a quiet atmosphere.

Suddenly, an eagle's cry sounded outside the hall.

The Deputy Commander reacted as if startled, his bloodshot eyes snapping open. As the words "Eight hundred li urgent dispatch from Guangan Prefecture" came in, he sprang up from his chair.

For him, no news from the front line was the best news!

In the past few days, bad news had frequently arrived from the front line.

Now, something had happened in Guangan Prefecture too?

He quickly walked a few steps towards the main hall's exit. Soon, urgent footsteps were heard from outside.

Then, a messenger with three red command flags on his back entered the hall, knelt on one knee, and cupped his hands.

"Your subordinate greets the Commander!"

Pei Yanhu stepped forward, his tiger-like eyes bulging, his tone carrying a hint of urgency, "What happened in Guangan Prefecture?"

The messenger quickly pulled a secret letter from his sleeve, presented it with both hands, and respectfully said, "Reporting to the Commander, Ninth Zhonglang has led the Tian Guan experts from various Sects, fought across thousands of li, successively breaking through several cities, and advanced all the way to Weiyuan Prefecture. He hereby seeks your instructions; please review!"

Upon hearing this, Pei Yanhu's eyes widened. He quickly took the secret letter, opened it, and scanned it. His eyebrows twitched slightly, then his eyes reddened, emotions surging, and his voice trembled slightly,

"Good!"

"Good!"

"Well fought!"

"He thoroughly avenged the tens of thousands of soldiers who died there."

Pei Yanhu laughed with joy, but his laughter sounded a bit sad.

Because his only son had died in Weiyuan Prefecture, and his personal feelings lay there. What father doesn't love his son? With his son fallen in battle, Pei Yanhu wished he could personally go to Weiyuan Prefecture and slaughter those beasts, but the heavy responsibilities on his shoulders confined him firmly to Yunding Mountain, forcing him to suppress his inner hatred.

A few days ago, when he sent a message informing several Sects that they would support Guangan Prefecture, he had, in the letter, as a father who had lost his son, entrusted Chen Yuan.

He asked him to kill more of those beasts from the Six Mountains, especially the Tian Guan Devils from the Six Mountains!

And in the letter, Chen Yuan, together with several major Sects' Tian Guan experts, had cleared nine counties infested by devils, killed over a dozen Tian Guan Devils, and even fought their way to Weiyuan Prefecture.

Good, good!

"Commander!"

The messenger, sensing the Commander's emotions, couldn't help but express his concern.

"It's nothing, this Fushi is happy," Pei Yanhu waved his hand, then composed himself, "Pass on my order!"

The messenger immediately took out a pen from his sleeve.

"I received the news with great joy. Zhonglang Chen has achieved a great victory, and this Fushi will surely report his meritorious service."

"...In this battle, the Six Mountains Yao Race will surely counterattack. Stabilize the battle situation and do not advance rashly. Moreover..."

Speaking of this, Pei Yanhu's eyes narrowed, "The situation may change significantly. People from the Central Court have already arrived..."

Pei Yanhu also wrote down the day's events in the secret letter.

The arrival of people from Taichang Temple, acting on the Temple of Martialism's decree, the two Taichang Temple adults preparing to personally carry the ceremonial banner and go on a mission to the Ten Thousand Mountains, and the arrival of official and noble scions from the Central Court in Shu, even the secret about the Ten Thousand Mountains and Luck that the Grand Minister spoke of, were all informed.

The situation was becoming increasingly complex. He hoped to inform Chen Yuan so that he could better assess the current situation and make his next move.

After about half a cup of tea, the messenger finished writing the letter and handed it to Pei Yanhu for review.

Pei Yanhu confirmed it once, then his eyes flickered. He pulled a small black box wrapped in a Restriction from his sleeve.

The small box was about a foot long, without intricate patterns, and it shimmered with spiritual light, protected by a powerful Restriction. Pei Yanhu's expression was somewhat complex as he carefully caressed the box with his large, rough hands. Then he sighed softly and said, "Take this with you too, and hand it to Ninth Zhonglang on my behalf. Then, rest a bit and depart!"

"Yes!" The messenger took the letter and the black box, received the order, bowed, retreated a few steps, then turned and quickly exited the main hall.

Not long after, an eagle cried out, and the messenger, having exchanged for an Ao Tian Falcon at the Dao Fu Division, rushed back without stopping.

And just then, in that courtyard, a dark figure quietly slipped out of a room, then looked up at the silver streak of light disappearing into the distance towards the south. Its form blurred, and it was about to rush out of the courtyard.

Just then, above, three streaks of light suddenly descended towards the courtyard, ignoring the Restrictions set up in this courtyard and directly bursting in with their powerful Qi aura.

This immediately startled shouts from the armored guards outside the courtyard.

And as the Restriction fluctuated, the dark figure that had intended to slip out quietly was forced to reveal itself.

It was precisely the Li Family's Family Retainer!

The three streaks of light now also revealed themselves; they were the three Young Masters who had gone out to tour Jinguancheng during the day: one surnamed Zhao, one surnamed Wen, and one surnamed Zhou.

Now, having returned from their tour, they happened to run into him.

"Hey, isn't this Brother Li from the Sima Li Family? Going out so late? Do you want this Young Master to introduce you to a place for fun?"

The Young Master Zhao, who had advised the man surnamed Wen during the day, now seemed to have returned from a good time, with a slight hint of alcohol on his Face. Perhaps because the two families in the Central Court were at odds, his words carried a hint of mockery.

At this moment, the man surnamed Wen, who had spoken with the Li Family's Family Retainer during the day, changed his expression slightly.

"Brother Zhao, you've had too much to drink!"

Then, he bowed to the Li Family's Family Retainer.

"Brother Li, please forgive him!"

After speaking, he quickly led his people away.

The reason this person changed his attitude was that in the afternoon, someone had inquired about this Li Family's Family Retainer, and Young Master Zhao then brought up this person again.

This person had a bloody past and formidable martial arts; he was a ruthless individual, so it was best to have less contact with him.

The Li Family's Family Retainer narrowed his eyes, watching the three leave, then looked up at the streaking light that had vanished into the night, and heard the clanking armor of those rushing over to investigate. A hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes, then he turned and returned to his room.

On the other side, at Xuntian Hall, the Recorder had rushed back and was reporting the information he had gathered to Pei Yanhu.

"Commander, your subordinate has found out. That person is a Family Retainer of the Central Plains Li Family, named Li Wuchang. His patriarch holds the position of Military Sima in the Central Court, a third-rank official."

"This person is a killing machine under the Li Family, an expert specifically used for assassinations. With a bone age of less than forty, his martial cultivation has already reached the Dao Fruit Realm. Among the three people your subordinate accompanied, there was a Young Master Zhao, who seems to have some animosity with the Li Family and shared a lot of information about this person. In short, this person is very dangerous and fiercely loyal to the Li Family; even his surname was bestowed by the Li Family. Hearing this, your subordinate found it strange: why would this person inquire about Ninth Zhonglang?"

Upon hearing this, Pei Yanhu's eyes suddenly shot out a captivating glint.

Military Sima, Li Family, Family Retainer.

Combining these three pieces of information, Pei Yanhu instantly thought of something.

More than half a month ago, in the Tianxiong Pass rebellion case, one of the rebellious families was surnamed Li. And in the military documents, that Li Family was a distant branch of this Military Sima's Family. Furthermore, during that rebellion, a Family Retainer of the Tianxiong Pass Li Family happened to be there. When Chen Yuan quelled the rebellion, the Tianxiong Pass Li Family was exterminated, and that Li Family's Family Retainer was also slain by Chen Yuan.

Thinking of this, a chilling killing intent flashed in Pei Yanhu's eyes.

"Keep a close eye on this fellow for me!"

Such a scheming person, he comes with ill intentions.

He said, feeling uneasy. This person was in the Dao Fruit Realm, and others watching him might make mistakes.

"Forget it, this Fushi will personally keep an eye on him!"

"This fellow, he might leave very soon."