Chapter 421 - 178: Headquarters, Armory

Chapter 421: Chapter 178: Headquarters, Armory

When he first entered the Capital City, he had only just achieved the Primordial Spirit realm. Now, he had reached the Late Stage of Primordial Spirit, but he still felt insignificant before the Destiny True Dragon.

The destiny of an entire nation was no small matter.

However, he didn’t pay it much mind.

This time, his main purpose was to select an Ultimate Skill from the Armory.

’Whether a Divine Level Martial Art can be enhanced into an Immortal Technique... it all depends on this trip.’

"Let’s go."

After stowing away the Spirit Boat, Hong Miaojin strode toward the Capital City, with Fang Xing following close behind.

They passed through the city gates and entered the Capital City.

It was just as bustling as his last visit, but this time, he was used to it.

His horizons had broadened, and so his state of mind was naturally different.

The more one saw, the more composed one became.

...

Before long, he had followed Hong Miaojin to Duke Zhen’s Mansion.

Steward Wang of the Marquis Mansion was already waiting outside. Seeing Hong Miaojin appear, he approached with a smile. "Miss, Young Master Fang."

"Is Father home?" Hong Miaojin asked Steward Wang.

Steward Wang bowed slightly. "Miss, the master is still in the Imperial City. He should be back in about an hour."

Hong Miaojin nodded lightly and, without another question, stepped into the National Guardian Mansion. Fang Xing kept pace and entered with her.

Upon arriving at an inner hall of the National Guardian Mansion, the Steward immediately had servants bring tea. Hong Miaojin sat down and looked at Fang Xing.

"Rest for today. Tomorrow, I’ll go with you to the Armory."

Fang Xing clasped his hands. "Thank you, milady."

"Have a seat. Don’t just stand there," Hong Miaojin said.

Fang Xing immediately sat to one side and began drinking his tea.

"Miss, how long will you be staying this time?" Steward Wang asked Hong Miaojin with a smile.

"Only a few days or so," Hong Miaojin said after a sip of tea.

"In that case, this old servant will go and arrange for dinner," Steward Wang said.

Hong Miaojin nodded, and Steward Wang turned to leave.

Watching Steward Wang’s departing figure, Hong Miaojin withdrew her gaze.

Fang Xing looked at her. "Milady, you must have other business in the Capital on this trip, don’t you?"

Hong Miaojin nodded gently. "Yes, there are some matters to attend to, but nothing major. You don’t need to concern yourself with them. Just focus on selecting your Martial Arts."

Hearing this, Fang Xing asked no more questions.

’Given Hong Miaojin’s status and power, he probably couldn’t be of any help with the things she needed to do anyway.’

...

「As the sky grew dark.」

Hong Xuanji returned to the mansion.

"Your Grace."

Upon seeing Hong Xuanji appear, Fang Xing immediately rose and clasped his hands in a bow.

The stronger he became, the more he felt that Hong Xuanji was unfathomable.

He far surpassed the impression Fang Xing had of Hong Miaojin and other Celestial Martial Saints.

The only one who could possibly compare was the current Emperor Longjing.

Hong Xuanji smiled and nodded, then stepped forward and sat down.

"Father, what do you think? Are you satisfied with this ’report card’ from Qing Province?" Hong Miaojin asked, looking at Hong Xuanji with a beaming smile.

Hong Xuanji nodded with a smile. "Mm, you did well this time. Stabilizing the situation in Qing Province is a contribution to the entire Southern Border."

"Of course. When I handle things, you can rest assured," Hong Miaojin said, a trace of smugness on her face.

Hong Xuanji glanced at her, then turned his gaze to Fang Xing. "Your contribution to stabilizing Qing Province was significant. You did well."

"You flatter me, Your Grace. This subordinate was merely assisting," Fang Xing said humbly.

"Father, enough with the verbal praise. Where’s the actual reward?" Hong Miaojin held out her hand.

"..."

"Here." Hong Xuanji rolled his eyes at her as a black token flew out and landed in her hand.

Hong Miaojin smiled at the token, then handed it to Fang Xing.

"This is the Weapon Vault Token. Just present it at the Armory tomorrow," Hong Miaojin said.

Fang Xing nodded and accepted the Weapon Vault Token.

"Thank you, Your Grace."

"Father," Hong Miaojin said, looking at Hong Xuanji, "when are you planning to make a move against the Southern Border?"

Hong Xuanji’s expression remained unchanged. He took a sip of tea and looked at his daughter. "What move?"

"If the Demon Alliance isn’t eliminated, the Southern Border will never be stable," Hong Miaojin said. "We can’t let this menace fester forever, can we?"

’Are they preparing for a major operation?!’

Hearing this, Fang Xing’s expression remained calm, but inside, his heart was in turmoil.

’If they really make a move, it won’t be some minor skirmish.’

’A full-scale war erupting in the Southern Border... the repercussions could engulf the entire Great Jing empire.’

’It’s a situation where a single action could affect the whole.’

"We cannot act against the Demon Alliance for the time being," Hong Xuanji said coolly.

"Why not? Isn’t the time almost ripe?" Hong Miaojin frowned.

Hong Xuanji looked at her. "The Demon Alliance has already reached an agreement with Great Wei. If we make a move, it won’t just be against the Demon Alliance. Great Wei will act as well."

"How is that possible!" Hong Miaojin’s pupils shrank.

Hong Xuanji sighed. "Nothing is impossible. As long as the interests involved are great enough, any situation can be altered."

Hong Miaojin fell silent.

To the side, Fang Xing was stunned as he listened to their exchange.

’Damn. Before, Great Wei was just cooperating with the Demon Alliance. Now, they’ve formed an actual pact.’

’They’ll stop at nothing to oppose Great Jing, even if it means allying with Demons and Monsters.’

’Aren’t they afraid of being corrupted by the Demon Alliance? The consequences would be catastrophic.’

"Great Wei is trying to bargain with a tiger for its hide. Sooner or later, they’ll be devoured by those Demons and Monsters," Hong Miaojin snorted coldly.

"For now, we can only maintain the status quo. The time is not yet right."

"When the day for a final resolution arrives, it will be dealt with."

Hong Xuanji said, his expression placid.

"Now, I wonder how much longer we’ll have to wait," Hong Miaojin sighed.

Fang Xing remained silent throughout, listening quietly.

’This is a game played at the highest level; he still lacked the power to get involved.’

’Still, it’s a shame,’ he thought.