Chapter 313: Chapter 283: Worship Me as Lord
Seeing this, the Ninth Princess also knelt down, her long lashes fluttering like snow, and respectfully said, "I hope that Young Master can eliminate demons and kill the nation’s traitors. Xue Xin is willing to pay any price."
Save the world? Chu Yi wasn’t very interested in being a savior, but he had a keen interest in top-notch Spells. With the Divine Hand’s ability to make spoken words come true, I could instantly master the top Spells, gather all the laws of a world, and create my own unique combat system. Having come to this small world, how could I not seek any benefit and just foolishly help Nanzhi without any return?
"Alright, I agree," Chu Yi said coldly. "From now on, am I the leader of the Rebel Army?"
Hearing this, Jiang Feng’s body trembled, and a hint of joy flashed in his eyes. He had agreed. This person, who seemed to belong to the Immortal Realm, had actually agreed to his unrealistic request.
"Young Master Chu... No, Lord," Jiang Feng stood up, clasped his fists in a salute, a flicker of ambition shining in his eyes. "From now on, I will follow your lead, ready to brave fire and water without hesitation."
The so-called great cause of rebellion, he considered it entirely for himself and his family. And now, in these chaotic times, with a person as gifted as the Grand Ancestor Emperor appearing, following him would surely lead to a bright future. In the future, he would be a minister who helped establish a new dynasty—how could this not excite him?
"My... my Lord," Ji Xuexin stammered, startled, and followed her uncle in addressing him.
"You should still call me Young Master Chu." Chu Yi shook his head. It feels a bit odd for a white-haired girl to call me Lord. Besides, my real age is much younger than this Ninth Princess.
"Young Master Chu," Ji Xuexin corrected herself. Recalling that enchanting spring night, her icy, jade-like face blushed faintly as she spoke softly, "Although I am a member of the Imperial Family, Xue Xin is willing to serve Young Master Chu, to fight against the nation’s traitors, to slay demons and evil spirits."
She had a brave and spirited nature; dressed in armor, she was every bit a valiant Female General. Upon witnessing Chu Yi practicing the Suanni Technique, with his Immortal-like transformations, she couldn’t help but be impressed, feeling a hint of admiration she hadn’t even realized herself. Furthermore, she wanted Chu Yi to see her as a fighting force, not merely as a decorative vase.
Accepting their allegiance, Chu Yi immediately used the Tongqu Technique to open a portal and stepped into the Rebel Army’s main camp.
...
「Taiping City.」
It was a major city in the south of the Longwu Dynasty, formerly the auspicious place where the Grand Ancestor Emperor had first raised his army. Within the city, a large river flowed, facilitating the exchange of numerous goods. It also served as a channel for interaction with surrounding rebel forces, boasting highly developed water transport. Merchant ships and cargo boats from various states and prefectures came and go, and business at the docks bustled endlessly.
Crucially, the extent of the disaster in the south was small, and it had not yet been affected by the snow disaster. However, even so, civilians fell ill every day, exhibiting symptoms of madness. Combined with the poor sanitation conditions, the infections only continued to increase.
At this moment, as the sun set and the sky grew dusky, only the falling snowflakes brightened the evening. Inside the City Lord’s Mansion, colorful lanterns were hung, including hundreds of glazed palace lanterns. A grand banquet was being prepared to welcome a distinguished figure and offer them refreshments after their journey. Since the main guest had not yet arrived, the attendees had not moved to the banquet hall. But the various high-ranking officials and influential figures who had received the news had already gathered, eagerly anticipating. Beautiful maids glided among the guests, serving tea and water, and offering desserts and fruits, creating a lively atmosphere.
City Lord Han Yuan sat high on the main seat. He glanced at the Qilin Academy’s prodigies below, the influential figures of the city, and the powerful backing of the great Noble Families, inwardly sneering at the naïveté of the Ninth Princess and her group. The Rebel Army was ostensibly led by the Heaven-Pacifying Saint. But in secret, it was formed by the major Noble Families and powerful factions in the south, allowing them to build achievements during chaotic times or retreat to preserve themselves. Otherwise, the Ninth Princess alone could not muster such tremendous power. All rebel forces operated this way. Behind it all was the strategic maneuvering of the Noble Families from the various states and prefectures. This banquet is a good opportunity to see if the so-called otherworldly Immortal they speak of actually practices special Spells or is just putting on an act, pretending to be divine.
Below, the top ten outstanding youths of this generation from Qilin Academy were conversing. Known as the Ten Young Qilins of Nanjiang, each came from a distinguished background and was a talent highly sought after by the various feudal lords.
At this moment, a handsome young man in white stepped forward and saluted Han Yuan with clasped hands. "Uncle Han, do you know when Her Highness the Ninth Princess will return? I, though unworthy, wish to fulfill my duties as a senior student and extend proper courtesy."
This was Xue Yan, lauded as Qilin Academy’s most exceptional genius. He had broken several academy records and was expected to break through to the high-level before the age of forty. The Xue Family was also one of the top influential families in Taiping City.
"Nephew Xue, no need to worry, she should arrive at the mansion soon. Why don’t you go and welcome the Ninth Princess?" Han Yuan glanced at him, stroking his beard with a smile. Ji Xuexin was also a member of Qilin Academy and had countless pursuers; even Xue Yan could not resist the Princess’s charm.
Of course, her peerless beauty is just one reason. The Ancestral Dragon’s Nine Techniques, top-tier Spells—who wouldn’t like them? Who wouldn’t want them!? Moreover, by marrying into the Imperial Family and becoming an imperial relative, any offspring born could, according to protocol and with good fortune, even be eligible to ascend the Dragon Throne. At the very least, they would become Ji Family relatives!
"Thank you, Uncle Han." Xue Yan thanked him politely, joy beaming on his face. Mist surged around him, like viewing flowers through fog, and a white-scaled dragon tail was vaguely visible before he vanished from the banquet hall moments later.
This display caught the eyes of many cultivators.
"Xue Yan’s White Dragon Technique has been cultivated to such a level! Seeing the tail but not the head, viewing flowers through fog, concealing various changes—he’s not far from high-level."
"Barely thirty and already at the mid-level pinnacle of cultivation. He does seem a match for Her Highness the Ninth Princess."
"Hah! The Ninth Princess is of invaluable status, a truly exceptional figure. I think Xue Yan still lacks a certain something."
"Well, he did consume a blood-replenishing ’Great Pill.’ If it were me, I could do it too."
"..."
Some expressed admiration, others scorn. It had been rumored that Xue Yan’s rapid progress was due to consuming a Human Pill. Considering that Demon Kings like the White Dragon were known to enjoy eating humans, and then recalling the recent missing persons cases, it was hard not to draw connections.
...
The Nine-Curve Long Bridge stretched along the riverbank. On both sides, the lake surface was covered in lotus flowers and leaves of varying heights, the shimmering water dancing gracefully.
The sight stirred memories of someone. Chu Yi couldn’t help but recall the Moon Princess. They had cultivated together in the lotus pond of her residence, where the lotuses themselves were a full eight inches tall. Should I bring her a gift to seek her forgiveness? Chu Yi thought. Recalling his regrettable act of poisoning before he left, it was indeed excessive. Perhaps this small world has Spells she would like.
"Is Young Master thinking about something?"
Beside him, Ji Xuexin had changed into a courtly ruqun, which emphasized her full and alluring hourglass figure, making her appear even more fiery. Her snow-white hair, like the bright moonlight, framed a stunningly beautiful face that surpassed frost and snow in its flawlessness. At this moment, she was looking at Chu Yi with an innocently dazed and inquisitive expression.
"You do resemble an old friend of mine." Chu Yi lifted a strand of her silver hair, leaned close to her crystal-clear, snow-delicate ear, and lightly exhaled warm breath.
Instantly, Ji Xuexin shuddered, her fair face blushing faintly, her ocean-blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears.