Chapter 138 - 117: Xiao Heng’s Appreciation

Chapter 138: Chapter 117: Xiao Heng’s Appreciation

[Name: Lu Yuan]

[Age: 18]

[Cultivation Techniques: Fifth-Grade Cultivation Skill, Earth Demon Saber Technique (10,232/30,000 to Perfection)]

[Fourth-Grade Cultivation Skill, Mixed Element Qi Skill (Gang Qi), (2,301/30,000 to Perfection)]

[Fifth-Grade Cultivation Skill, Refined Golden Bell Shield (10,127/30,000 to Perfection)]

[Third-Grade Array, Shaking Mountain Copper Gate Formation (26,172/30,000 to Perfection) Bonus Effects: Super Defense, Shaking Mountains and Earth]

[Third-Grade Cultivation Skill, Breaking Gang Arrow Skill (7,282/30,000 to Perfection)]

[Fourth-Grade Cultivation Skill, Heart Shattering Fist (10,383/10,000 to Great Success, Breakthrough?)]

Lu Yuan naturally chose to break through.

Immediately, memories of the Fist Skill flooded his mind.

His palms and arms felt incredibly powerful.

[Fourth-Grade Cultivation Skill, Heart Shattering Fist (383/30,000 to Perfection)]

A smile touched Lu Yuan’s lips as the system panel appeared.

’I’ve finally broken through.’

’If I can’t act using my current identity in the future, I’ll use this Heart Shattering Fist.’ Lu Yuan was beginning to understand. ’Those people in the Imperial City don’t give a damn about those beneath them. They rule the court with absolute power. If I don’t secretly develop my own faction as a means of self-preservation, I could be sold out at any moment.’

’My Gang Qi is now at Perfection. With a bit more cultivation, I can break through to the Innate Realm. Once that happens, if I go to the Northern Lands to build my power, I should be able to carve out a place for myself in a short time.’

As his cultivation had advanced, he had learned that above the Innate Realm were the realms of Void Manipulation, Gathering Pill, Divine Palace, Divine Essence, and more.

He surmised that the Garrison Generals in the Imperial Guard were at the Void Manipulation Realm, making them far more formidable than the State Generals from the Border Army’s General’s Mansions.

Ultimately, they were the true backbone of the imperial court.

Even a Garrison General, if placed outside the capital, was not someone an ordinary State General could compare to.

This was true not only in terms of strength, but also status.

Upon reaching Void Manipulation, one could fly through the air for extended periods. This step truly separated them from ordinary Cultivators.

However, even though the current Lu Yuan hadn’t reached Void Manipulation, he wasn’t without a chance of victory in a life-or-death battle.

He then took out a Gang Qi Pill, swallowed it, and resumed his cultivation.

He was unwilling to waste even a single moment when it came to advancing his cultivation.

「Meanwhile」

In Xiao Heng’s tent, the Marquis of Mucheng took a sip of wine. "The court has officially begun peace talks. The Seventh Prince has already departed for the Imperial City. What should we do next?"

"The Seventh Prince returned because something major is happening in the Imperial City. We must remain here for now. However, something has come to mind, and it seems like a perfect task for Lu Yuan. If he succeeds, his trip won’t have been in vain. I should have no problem recommending him for a First-Grade promotion," Xiao Heng said with a smile.

The Marquis of Mucheng looked over, puzzled. "The war is almost over. Is there still a chance for Lu Yuan to earn merit?"

Xiao Heng nodded. "Yes, and it’s a huge opportunity for him to make a name for himself. It all depends on whether he can seize it. According to my sources, the Xirong delegation heading to the Imperial City this time includes many young masters. I suspect that since they didn’t gain much of an advantage on the battlefield, they want to test their young masters against ours in Dayong. This sort of thing has happened many times in the past, hasn’t it? I’m afraid this time will be no exception. Moreover, the court seems to be aware of the specifics. They’ve already notified the generals of the Imperial Guard to select experts under the age of thirty—both at and below the Innate Realm—to head to the Imperial City and await orders. Tell me, isn’t that a chance to shine?"

The Marquis of Mucheng’s eyes lit up. "If that’s true, it is indeed an opportunity. If he can win and bring glory to the court, setting all else aside, a first-class merit is practically guaranteed. That would probably be enough for Lu Yuan to be directly promoted to Garrison General."

"We’ll see when the time comes. In my opinion, it would be a waste for someone with Lu Yuan’s strength to be a mere Garrison General. He’s capable of leading a more mobile force. If he distinguishes himself this time, I plan to submit a memorial to the throne and fight for the position of General of the Northern Patrol for him. He would be responsible for patrolling the Northern Border and intimidating the buffer zone. The situation there is getting worse and worse, and many people have already gone over. His Majesty sent me a secret letter, intending for me to lead the Imperial Guard to garrison the Northern Border and monitor the various Border Marquises and General’s Mansions. This is to prevent the court’s nobles from getting too entangled with them and throwing the Northern Border into chaos."

"General of the Northern Patrol... that’s a Senior Fifth Grade post. Your Lordship is truly generous. But given Lu Yuan’s strength and merits, it’s not out of the question," the Marquis of Mucheng said softly.

Xiao Heng replied, "I have high hopes for him. That young man has a quality that sets him apart from others. However, whether he succeeds will depend on his performance in the Imperial City this time. If he can truly render a great service to Dayong, we can most likely secure the position of General of the Northern Patrol for him."

"There shouldn’t be a problem, right? With Lu Yuan’s current strength, there aren’t many in the Innate Realm who are his match," the Marquis of Mucheng said quietly.

Xiao Heng shot him a look and pondered for a moment. "Not necessarily. The Xirong have sent many experts of the younger generation this time, including a young master from their royal family. It’s said his foundation is extremely profound, having reached Perfection in almost every stage of his cultivation. He practices the Xirong imperial family’s Sixth-Grade Cultivation Skill, the Celestial Fire Mysterious Skill, and also possesses Innate Divine Power. Although he is only at the Innate Realm, he once fought a Void Manipulation master to a draw. Do you think he can be underestimated? And most importantly, he has a very high comprehension of Military Arrays. He’s already showing the makings of a Renowned General."

"HISS!" The Marquis of Mucheng sucked in a sharp breath.

Any Renowned General, in their respective court, is a pillar that supports the nation. The reason the Northern Barbarians are being bullied so badly right now, aside from their own internal strife, is primarily because they lack a Renowned General to hold the line.

To become a Renowned General, it isn’t enough to just be powerful yourself; the most crucial factor is mastery over Military Arrays.

They can maximize the might of an entire army, unleashing a force powerful enough to topple mountains and part seas.

The Marquis of Mucheng’s expression turned grim. "In that case, I’m afraid it will be impossible for Lu Yuan to win." ℯ

"Heh, don’t overestimate others, and don’t underestimate our own. Let’s wait and see. Do your best and leave the rest to fate. Whether Lu Yuan can take this step is up to him."

After speaking, he drained his cup of wine in one gulp.

And while the two of them were discussing Lu Yuan’s affairs, the man in question was completely focused on his cultivation.

「The night passed in the blink of an eye.」

When Lu Yuan got up and stepped out of his tent, his men were already eating.

Zhou Xiong approached with a large tray and said to Lu Yuan, "Sir, freshly stewed mutton soup and just-steamed flatbread. Please, have some."

Lu Yuan nodded, took the food, and began to eat.

In just a few moments, he had finished a large bowl of soup and stuffed several large chunks of meat into his stomach.

The taste wasn’t amazing, but given the limited conditions, it was quite good.

Just as he finished eating, an Imperial Guard messenger approached. He looked at Lu Yuan and said, "Captain Lu, Marshal Xiao summons you."

Surprise flickered across Lu Yuan’s face before he replied, "Alright, I’ll go right away."

With that, he rose and headed for the marshal’s tent.

’I don’t know why Xiao Heng is looking for me, but it probably isn’t anything bad.’ Lu Yuan could tell that Xiao Heng had been treating him well recently. Many times, he had even gone out of his way to promote him.

A few moments later, Lu Yuan arrived outside the marshal’s tent.

Xiao Heng, inside, had clearly heard his approach. Before Lu Yuan could speak, he called out, "Come in."

Lu Yuan entered immediately.

Stepping into the tent, he saw that Xiao Heng was also eating.

He looked up at Lu Yuan and asked, "Have you eaten?"

"Thank you, My Lord. I have already eaten," Lu Yuan said quickly.

Xiao Heng nodded. "Good. Take a look at this."

As he spoke, he pushed a letter across the table. Lu Yuan took it and saw that its contents were an order issued by the Ministry of War.

The order instructed all divisions of the Imperial Guard to recommend young masters to travel to the Imperial City for a competition against the Xirong.

"I’ve recommended you. You have one day to settle your subordinates and have them return to the Northern Border. Tomorrow, you will depart for the Imperial City. When you arrive, take my letter of recommendation and report to the Ministry of War."

After speaking, Xiao Heng produced another, previously written letter and handed it to Lu Yuan.

"Thank you for this honor, Marquis," Lu Yuan said, bowing quickly.

"It is your own excellent work that caught my eye. Go back and prepare. Set out early tomorrow," Xiao Heng instructed.

"As you command!" Lu Yuan replied before taking his leave.

He returned to his own camp. Just as he stepped into his tent, Zhou Xiong followed him in.

Lu Yuan took a sip of tea, then looked at him. "Notify the men. We return to the Northern Border first thing tomorrow morning. You will lead the column this time. Be careful along the way and don’t let any trouble arise."

"Sir, what about you?" Zhou Xiong asked, confused.

"I have to make a trip to the Imperial City. Marshal Xiao has arranged something for me. I’ll return in a while. After you lead the men back, remember to give my regards to the General. As for the Marquis of Zhenbian, don’t pay him any special mind. Just go about your business as usual. We’ll handle everything else after I get back," Lu Yuan instructed.

"As you command!"

Zhou Xiong acknowledged the order and left the tent to have his men start preparing.

With nothing else to do, Lu Yuan tucked a stack of silver notes into his clothes and headed for the Merit Camp.

This was the silver he had seized after the battle at Moya Mountain, which he had since exchanged for silver notes. Because he had enough Elixirs, he hadn’t needed to use the money.

The journey to the Imperial City was long, so he planned to purchase some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures for Divine Containment at the Gang Qi Realm. This way, he wouldn’t be caught without the necessary medicinal ingredients if he happened to break through on the road.

With this in mind, Lu Yuan arrived outside the Merit Tower camp.

The moment he stepped inside, the Quartermaster came over. "Ah, Lord Lu! What can I get for you today? We have everything here."

By now, Lu Yuan had built up a bit of a reputation in the Imperial Guard; at the very least, this Quartermaster knew of him.

Thus, his attitude was very polite.

"Do you have any Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures for the Refining Gang Realm?"

"My Lord must be planning on some Alchemy. Of course, we have some. I’ll go get it for you now." After speaking, the Quartermaster turned and rummaged through a cabinet for a moment before taking out a box.

"A Three-Striped Purple Ginseng. Will you be using Merit Points or silver to purchase it?"

"I’ll use silver," Lu Yuan said softly. If he had silver, he would naturally use it. Merit Points were a resource to be used only when there was no other choice.

"One hundred thousand taels of silver per stalk," the Quartermaster said quickly.

Lu Yuan couldn’t help but be taken aback, but he still took out the silver and handed it over.

Then he accepted the medicine box and turned to leave.

After buying the ginseng, he only had twenty thousand taels of silver left.

’That should be enough for travel expenses.’

With his arrangements made, a day passed in a flash. Before dawn the next morning, Zhou Xiong led his men and departed.

Lu Yuan also mounted his Red Scale, which he hadn’t ridden in a long time, and set off toward the Imperial City.

This trip to the Imperial City held immense significance for him.