Chapter 211: The Beginning
Chapter 211: The Beginning
After learning the whole story, the emperor of the Divine Dynasty instantly lost interest.
It resembled a pauper telling a billionaire about saving two pennies on steamed buns. Even a bored billionaire wouldn’t care about such trifles. These weaklings who needed schemes to oppose a Fighting King like Xia Bochang weren’t worth attention. Had they not insulted the Divine Dynasty’s honor, he wouldn’t have bothered listening. When Xia Bochang finally finished reporting his clues, the emperor waved dismissively.
“This matter’s yours to handle.”
“By your will.”
Xia Bochang sighed, recognizing the emperor’s impatience. After accepting the decree, he withdrew.
“This session’s concluded.”
The emperor stood, ending the tedious morning court. Ministers bowed mechanically like puppet actors before leaving.
“General Xia.”
Before reaching home, Xia Bochang saw an approaching carriage. A man lifted its curtain – the small gang leader who’d supplied information about Lin Zhenbei of Fuwei Escort Agency. Rumor claimed this rat sought to use Xia Bochang as blade against his nemesis, being too weak himself.
Xia Bochang cared nothing for such vermin’s motives, only results.
He boarded the halted carriage.
“What did His Majesty say?”
“Since when do palace affairs concern street rats?”
Xia Bochang’s rebuke made the gang leader hastily pour tea. “My foolish tongue, General. But did you expose Lin Zhenbei?”
“Lin’s different from those traitors. He’s connected to the Empress Dowager.”
Xia Bochang had intended to report Lin during court, but a subtle warning from the Dowager’s faction changed his mind. Understandable – in this Divine Dynasty era, someone controlling Fuwei Escort Agency surely had palace ties. Even northern nomads planted spies in the capital.
“I’ll handle this. Your task remains monitoring those traitors.”
“Just let them be? Why not-”
The gang leader’s outburst earned Xia Bochang’s glare. To the general, such lowlifes were dogs unworthy of breathing the same air. Were it not for useful information, he’d have had this insect thrown from the carriage.
“Forgiveness, General! I forgot my place.”
“Begone. I depart for the northwest soon – you’ll get your chance.”
The gang leader vanished into the streets.
“Filthy mutt.”
Xia Bochang tossed the teacup away, dismounting to walk home. He refused to ride in a vehicle polluted by gutter trash.
Northwest, Great Snow Mountain.
On the Great Snow Mountain stood Western Kunlun, where celestial spirits dwelled upon the sacred peak.
With Ye Chen’s movements, Western Kunlun’s influence had expanded relentlessly. The northwestern lands now revered it as holy ground. Direct heirs from nomadic tribes’ golden families had sworn allegiance to Great Snow Mountain, becoming third-generation disciples. Unlike the nomads’ fervent devotion, ancient noble clans maintained cautious neutrality – except for entangled figures like Lin Zhenbei, most hedged their bets between factions to avoid conflict.
“The Divine Dynasty approaches.”
Three days after Ye Chen’s departure, A Mu returned to Great Snow Mountain.
Under his stewardship, Western Kunlun became impregnable. Having attained the third cultivation tier, A Mu radiated profound mystery. Beyond enhanced strength, his bloodline power of memory extraction had awakened fully, granting “world-memory reading” – though limited to self-related information with imperfect accuracy.
“Brother, what do we do?”
A Qing now bore the Mountain God mantle, divine aura swirling about her. Yet anxiety etched the deity’s features.
“All’s well while I’m here.”
A Mu ruffled his sister’s hair affectionately. After countless years, she remained the little shadow trailing behind him in his eyes. His relentless pursuit of power alongside Ye Chen served dual purposes – personal cultivation and protecting this sister who must never come to harm.
“We’re alone here. Will Ye Chen even return?”
When Ye Chen left to spread teachings and harvest faith, none foresaw this crisis. Surely he wouldn’t abandon them now?
“He’ll come.”
A Mu’s perception pierced the blizzard, sensing Ye Chen’s distant approach through ability rather than sight. By his calculations, their leader would arrive dramatically at the critical hour, like those cliché webnovel protagonists.
“After long silence, the world shall witness our might.”
Shifting focus, A Mu observed Xia Bochang’s northwest-bound group. Their every scheme lay bare before his powers.
Fifteen days later.
A convoy breached Yuhai Pass into northwestern territory.
Outwardly transporting grain and metal, this merchant train concealed lethal truth – nearly all members were martial experts. Beyond mounted escorts, carriage-hidden figures exuded formidable energy waves. Leading them disguised as a merchant captain rode Xia Bochang.
The small gang leader’s infiltration plan addressed Fuwei Escort Agency’s overwhelming regional dominance – especially after Xia Bochang’s ascension to Fighting Emperor rank. While Ye Chen’s trio enjoyed Lin Zhenbei’s protection, operating on enemy turf demanded caution against underhanded tactics: poisons, hidden blades, curses.
“Halt!”
Xia Bochang raised his hand, rearing his steed. The convoy froze instantly, escorts unsheathing swords in unison.
“General Xia. We’ve awaited you.”
Above the frozen wastes, a man trod empty air like celestial being, oppressive might radiating outward.
Ye Chen.
Contrary to A Mu’s prediction of dramatic last-moment arrival, he chose direct confrontation here and now.
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