122: Chapter 122 Your destined master will eventually appear!

Lei Mengsha went out to greet them, nodding to Su Rui before looking at the child.

"Xiao Chuhe greets the Pillar State General!" The child bowed properly, his demeanor as steady as an adult's.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Based solely on the name and the jade pendant at his waist, Lei Mengsha confirmed his identity was correct.

"There is no need for such formalities, General," Xiao Chuhe said directly. "I heard that a peerless expert has come to your residence, so I have come specifically to seek apprenticeship."

As soon as these words were spoken, Lei Mengsha instinctively looked toward Su Rui.

Xiao Chuhe was quick-witted and immediately followed the gaze to Su Rui. He then knelt on both knees, acting decisively.

"I implore Senior to accept me as your disciple!"

The decisiveness of his reaction was astonishing.

"Get up first." Su Rui sized up the young child before him, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes.

After Xiao Chuhe rose, the three of them entered the main hall and took their seats.

Su Rui observed him for a moment before speaking.

"You indeed have talent, but your Master will not be me.

Your destined Master will eventually appear."

Hearing this, Xiao Chuhe thought the other party was making excuses and prepared to kneel again.

Su Rui raised a hand to stop him.

"State Preceptor Qi Tiandust has mentioned this matter before.

You are also clear about your own identity.

I do not wish to be involved in the disputes of the Northern Li imperial family; there is no need to mention this again."

Though Xiao Chuhe was young, he was born clever and perceptive.

As soon as he heard the deeper meaning in Su Rui's words, he understood immediately.

A trace of helplessness crossed his small face, and the corners of his mouth drooped slightly.

Since things had been put this way, what else could he do?

Just as he was about to turn and leave, he suddenly saw Li Hanyi holding Lei Wujie's small hand, gently guiding him as he took stumbling little steps toward them.

Seeing the child walking with such effort and looking so adorable, Xiao Chuhe reached out on a whim and pinched Lei Wujie's chubby cheeks, even giving them two gentle tugs.

Lei Wujie's eyes narrowed, his mouth puckered, and he suddenly burst into loud crying.

Xiao Chuhe was startled and quickly let go, his face flushing hot.

"I really didn't mean it... this little brother is just too likable."

He defended himself in a low voice, his tone full of embarrassment.

Li Xinyue stepped forward, pulling the child into her arms and soothing him with a light laugh. "Your Highness, do not take it to heart. It is common for small children to make a fuss."

Lei Mengsha personally escorted Xiao Chuhe out of the General's residence, arranged a carriage, and protected him all the way back to the palace.

After he left, Li Hanyi couldn't help but ask Su Rui, "Teacher, you clearly said his Aptitude was excellent just now, so why not accept him?"

Li Xinyue also nodded from the side, her eyes filled with confusion.

Although this prince was young, his conduct was orderly, his gaze was clear, and his bone structure was extraordinary. He was clearly a good prospect for martial arts and really shouldn't be passed over.

Su Rui smiled faintly. "If I accept one, people outside will scramble to send a second and a third.

Am I supposed to turn them away one by one? Or perhaps—" He paused, his gaze falling on Li Hanyi, "Do you plan to practice with a few children first and learn how to be a mother?"

Li Hanyi didn't react for a moment, freezing on the spot.

It was Li Xinyue who first covered her mouth and laughed.

A moment later, Li Hanyi finally understood the meaning behind the words, and the tips of her ears instantly flushed crimson.

"I... it's not like... I couldn't..."

Her voice was so low it was almost inaudible, but her face grew hotter and hotter.

Su Rui and Li Xinyue exchanged a glance, both unable to restrain their laughter.

At that moment, Lei Mengsha returned from escorting the guest. Seeing that their laughter hadn't faded, he couldn't help but ask curiously, "What are you talking about? Why so happy?"

"Nothing!" Li Hanyi hurriedly shook her head, her expression flustered.

This abnormal behavior only made Lei Mengsha more suspicious.

Su Rui glanced at Li Hanyi and helped her out of the situation. "Do you plan to wait until the Demonic Cult's Eastern Crusade ends before resigning from your position as Pillar State? Why not retire now?"

Lei Mengsha was stunned, his smile freezing. He exchanged a look with Li Xinyue and sighed softly. "Currently, Northern Li is swaying in the wind and rain. As the commander of the three armies, how can I abandon my post right before the battle?"

"Is it because of reputation? Friendship? Or loyalty?" Su Rui's tone was calm, betraying no approval or disapproval.

Lei Mengsha looked slightly awkward.

He knew that in the eyes of an expert like Su Rui, these mortal attachments might not be worth mentioning.

But he was not an immortal.

Based solely on his life-and-death friendship with Xiao Ruofeng, it was impossible for him to stand by and do nothing.

"In that case," Su Rui said indifferently, "I won't give you a second Life-Returning Pill."

After saying that, he stood up and walked outside, but after a few steps, he turned back to look at Li Xinyue.

"Heavenly Capital is ultimately restless. Why don't I first send you mother and daughter to the Sword Heart Tomb to take refuge for a while?"

Hearing this, Li Xinyue turned to look at Lei Mengsha.

Seeing him nod slightly, she agreed.

"Since it's decided, let me know once you've packed everything."

Li Hanyi looked at her father, her tone uncharacteristically heavy. "In this Eastern Crusade, the experts of Heaven Beyond Heaven are as numerous as clouds. The danger is no less than that of the Southern Solitude battlefield. You must be careful."

Lei Mengsha grinned. "Don't worry, daughter. It's not like your father just started wandering the Jianghu yesterday."

But who would believe those words?

Li Hanyi knew very well in her heart.

Su Rui had made it clear just now—he truly only had one of those Life-Returning Pills.

Such a treasure was already exceedingly rare, yet he had left it for her without hesitation, solely to save her father's life.

This affection weighed heavily on her heart, making her so happy she was speechless.

Li Xinyue did not delay; she went back and began packing her belongings, preparing to set off with Su Rui.

...

Inside the inner hall of the Heavenly Capital Imperial Palace.

"You say Chuhe left the palace on his own?" Emperor Mingde's brow furrowed slightly.

"Yes, he went straight to General Lei's residence, saying he wanted to seek a Master."

"And the result?" There was actually a hint of expectation in the Emperor's eyes.

"He did not get his wish and was personally escorted back by General Lei."

Hearing this, Emperor Mingde sighed softly, a look of regret appearing between his brows.

Xiao Chuhe's mother had once been his most beloved consort, but unfortunately, she had passed away early.

Because of this regret, he was especially concerned about this son.

He was intelligent and considerate.

Although he occasionally showed a child's temper, it did not stop him from being likable.

If he could become a disciple of that expert, it would undoubtedly be a great help to the Northern Li imperial family.

It would mean the plan to win that person over had a chance.

Now that hope had been dashed, Emperor Mingde inevitably felt regret.

"After returning, did he go back to his own quarters first?"

"No, he went directly to Consort Xuan's palace."

Emperor Mingde was slightly taken aback.

"Fine. We shall summon him after he comes out from there."

Deep within the palace, inside the Emerald Pavilion.

Xiao Chuhe held a pastry, taking small bites while detailing the experiences of his trip.

Consort Xuan, Yi Wenjun, gently stroked his hair, listening quietly.

"Since he is a man of the Dao and said you are not fated to be Master and disciple, then a Master who truly belongs to you is destined to appear."

Her tone was gentle, like a spring breeze brushing against the face.

Xiao Chuhe nodded silently and continued eating the pastry in his hand.

Since arriving in this deep palace at a young age, Consort Xuan's maternal love had become the shadow of a mother in his heart.

Therefore, he often came here.

At this moment, however, there was a faint worry between Yi Wenjun's brows.

She had previously heard Luo Qingyang mention the mysterious expert who had intimidated everyone upon appearing, and now having learned more details from Xiao Chuhe, she couldn't help but worry about Ye Dingzhi's situation.

If that person intervened, would Ye Dingzhi be able to escape unscathed?

...

While everyone was still trying to find ways to approach and get to know Su Rui,

A Giant Roc rose from above the Lei Residence, soaring straight into the clouds.

The moment its wings spread, the world changed color, and a pressure swept through the entire city of Heavenly Capital.

Then, with a flash of its wing-shadow, it turned into a remnant light and disappeared at the end of the firmament.

"He's gone!"

Jing Ni finally breathed a sigh of relief.

While that person was in the city, it was like a mountain pressing down, making it hard to breathe.

Even the cold-blooded state of mind trained by the Net of Heaven was inevitably shaken by it.

Black and White Profound Blade gripped his sword hilt so hard his knuckles turned white, his body trembling slightly.

He knew very well: if he were to clash with that strong man, there would be only one path—death.

The two from Fanyin Heaven stood by the window of a pavilion, watching the Roc's shadow dissipate in the sky.

"Just what level has this person's cultivation reached? I'm afraid even the Empress can't match him in the slightest."

"That is indeed the case.

However, since such a figure resides in Northern Li and has nothing to do with us, it's fine as long as he doesn't come to Great Tang to stir up trouble."

At this moment, Shi Yao's heart was also experiencing a massive upheaval.

That Giant Roc spanned the sky as if blotting out the sun, appearing even larger than the entire city of Heavenly Capital.

Such strength was unheard of and unseen.

"I'm afraid even the Marshal of the Unruly couldn't withstand a single strike from him!"

Thinking of the mission the Marshal of the Unruly had given her, she suddenly felt it was extremely difficult.

Somewhere in Heavenly Capital, inside an elegant brothel.

A woman draped in a crimson robe leaned against a soft couch, her eyes flashing and her expression solemn.

She had modified the Sunflower Manual and cultivated it to the Peak, with half a foot already in the realm of a Land Immortal.

She had thought there were few rivals in the world.

However, after a battle with Ye Dingzhi, the Sect Leader of the Heaven Beyond Heaven Demonic Cult, where she was slightly inferior, she had come north as agreed.

She hadn't expected such a terrifying existence to be hidden within Northern Li.

Just his Aura alone could pressure her into a state of unease, to the point where she couldn't even muster the slightest intent to resist.

This was a warning issued by instinct—

Do not provoke him, or death is certain!

"Truly amazing... it seems Snow Moon City is a place I must go.

This time, I'm afraid Ye Dingzhi won't get his wish."

Outside the main hall, Emperor Mingde looked up at the sky, watching the Roc's shadow fade away.

"The person has left?"

His tone was full of regret.

Even if the other party had no intention of intervening in court affairs,

As long as he was in Heavenly Capital, he was an invisible Sharp Weapon.

Such a strong man, even if he just sat still, could intimidate all directions.

Furthermore, once the Demonic Cult reached the city walls, even if he didn't act, his mere presence would be enough to shake the enemy's courage.

Not to mention that Lei Mengsha was still Northern Li's Pillar State General.

But now the place was empty, and all plans had become illusions.

The situation had returned to the starting point.

"Your Majesty, General Lei requests an audience."

"Show him in."

Emperor Mingde turned and walked into the hall.

Lei Mengsha entered the hall and bowed respectfully.

"How is your injury, Minister? Do you need the imperial physicians to examine you?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I have already fully recovered and am fine."

Lei Mengsha chose his words carefully, responding cautiously.

"That person has left?"

Emperor Mingde nodded and asked no more, instead saying:

"Yes.

That was my daughter's teacher. Because my father-in-law misses his late wife, my daughter implored her teacher to take her mother to the Sword Heart Tomb to pay their respects."

Emperor Mingde nodded upon hearing this; whether he believed it or not, his expression showed nothing.

"I have already ordered my brother to lead the Langya Army back for defense.

This time the Demonic Cult is moving east with great force; I still need your full assistance, Minister."

"I shall certainly do my utmost."

Lei Mengsha cupped his hands and bowed, his tone respectful.