239: Leave Beijing!

A few days of leisure passed in a flash, and the date for heading south was set.

This time, Li Shengyuan did not plan to bring his old brothers from the Demon Suppression Division to Jiangnan. The declared purpose of this trip to Jiangnan was merely for leisure, not official business, and bringing them would easily arouse suspicion.

After several drinks and small gatherings with his old brothers from the Demon Suppression Division, Li Shengyuan bid them farewell.

In his courtyard, after checking the last arrangement and preparing to depart lightly equipped the next morning, familiar laughter suddenly echoed from outside the courtyard.

His father, Li Mu, and mother, Wenren Qingxuan, arrived together, both smiling, chatting, and greeting Shen Xinrong and the other beauties.

"Dad, Mom? Why are you here?"

Li Shengyuan was a little surprised and went forward to greet them. His parents had been busy with social engagements recently, meeting old friends everywhere, so why would they suddenly come together?

Wenren Qingxuan smiled as she looked her son over, her eyes full of maternal love: "What, your parents can't come to see you now?"

She paused, then explained: "There have been some minor official reassignments in the court recently, and your father and I both happened to get some free time, so we thought of resting a bit."

Li Mu smiled slightly, his tone carrying a mix of concern and anticipation: "I heard you were ordered to go south to Jiangnan for official business? It just so happens that your mother and I haven't revisited our old haunts in many years, and the scenery in Jiangnan is excellent, so we thought of going with you. Firstly, it's a change of scenery, and secondly... it's been years since I've had a good look at you."

"And regarding Xinrong's matter, we also want to do our part!" Mother Wenren Qingxuan said coldly.

Li Shengyuan thought for a moment and immediately understood his parents' intentions.

The so-called official reassignment and free time was likely the Empress Senior Sister knowing their parents' wishes and specifically making it convenient; otherwise, with Li Mu's current strength and prestige, he should be striking while the iron is hot and entrusted with important responsibilities!

Whether it was guarding the Capital of Great Qian or defending the borders, both would be excellent choices.

They weren't simply going for a tour; more importantly, they were worried about him going alone to the unfathomable Jiangnan, wanting to look after him closely, even if they knew their son's current strength probably no longer needed their protection...

This deep love warmed Li Shengyuan's heart, and he naturally wouldn't refuse. This trip south would also be a good opportunity to help his parents refine their God-Demon Origin, so he smiled and said:

"That's truly wonderful! With Dad and Mom accompanying me, this trip will surely be more stable and interesting. I still want to hear more about the old stories of Jiangnan from you two!"

Seeing their son readily agree, Li Mu and Wenren Qingxuan exchanged smiles, both relieved and looking even more pleased.

"Good! Speaking of which, it's been a long time since we've been to Jiangnan. The first time we went, we were both still young, just a bit older than you..."

...

Since his parents were accompanying him, some arrangements needed slight adjustments.

Li Shengyuan took some time to visit the Imperial Observatory to bid farewell to Chancellor and his Senior Brother Chu Chunqiu.

Chancellor was still sitting on the Star Gazing Platform with an ethereal demeanor, overlooking the entire Capital of Great Qian.

Regarding Li Shengyuan's trip to Jiangnan, he merely glanced at him, waved his hand, telling him to go without worry, muttering something that Li Shengyuan couldn't quite hear...

It was Senior Brother Chu Chunqiu who meticulously gave many instructions about the geomancy and terrain of Jiangnan, as well as several ancient locations that needed special attention and might be connected to extraordinary powers.

He and Song Zhen had only recently returned from Jiangnan and knew a lot about the place. He actually wanted to follow along and have some fun for a while.

Unfortunately, he had been dispatched by Chancellor to deal with the Western Regions and the Demon Realm, and Song Zhen was taken along too.

After discussing official matters, Li Shengyuan casually asked, "By the way, Senior Brother, where is that kid Addressing Ye Xingzhou? How is his breakthrough to the second rank coming along?"

Chu Chunqiu heard this and a helpless yet amusing expression appeared on his slightly tipsy face as he took a big gulp of wine:

"Him... I heard that after he returned to the Imperial Observatory and reported back to Chancellor, he immediately went into seclusion to break through. He hasn't been seen since, presumably he won't come out until he breaks through. He usually seems quiet and unperturbed, but it seems he was hit hard..."

"But it should be soon..."

Li Shengyuan was first startled, then chuckled and shook his head, secretly thinking that guy was really getting competitive.

But then again, when they went to the Northern Border together, Ye Hangzhou was at the peak of the third rank, while Li Shengyuan was only at the fourth rank.

Now, upon returning, Li Shengyuan had already surpassed him, entering the second rank first, while he was still at the third rank...

However, Li Shengyuan still smiled slightly, "Then I'll wait until he successfully breaks through to the second rank and comes out of seclusion to catch up."

"Don't worry, Junior Brother is very steady..." Chu Chunqiu nodded in agreement.

...

The next morning, as the city gates first opened.

The colossal flying ship, sky abyss, which blotted out the sky, directly ascended from the Capital of Great Qian and flew south.

This time, without Ye Hangzhou to activate the ultra-long-distance teleportation array, they would fly slowly, which was perfect for enjoying the scenery along the way.

There weren't many people on the flying ship: Li Shengyuan, Princess Pingyang, Shen Xinrong, Yue Xiyan, Yue Qingmeng, and Mr. and Mrs. Li Mu.

And Zixuan, hidden in the shadows.

There weren't even any servants; to outsiders, they just looked like a family on a trip, albeit with a rather grand display.

Li Ruotang pouted, watching her elder brother and the others depart, secretly wondering when she would grow up enough to fly around with them...

The next moment, her mother grabbed her and pulled her back to study.

With her second uncle and second aunt returning to official posts in the Capital of Great Qian, the carefree, mischievous lives of the siblings were probably coming to an end...

Li Shengyuan watched this scene with a faint smile, then composed himself and took control of sky abyss to set off.

This time, without the Imperial Observatory's mages or Ye Hangzhou at the helm, Li Shengyuan had to do it himself.

However, no sooner had Li Shengyuan's flying ship left the Capital of Great Qian than those who were monitoring his movements began to act...