CH 30

Yu Ren Shu wanted Qi Ran Jun to bring along the old man and his granddaughter. This place truly wasn’t suitable for living in any longer. In addition, the young girl had a lot of potential. Staying here would be a waste.

Qi Ran Jun was only too glad to do a favour with little cost and also promised Yu Ren Shu to send someone to eliminate the Ear Rats on Dan Xun Mountain.

On the way, Qi Ran Jun curiously asked Jiang Chao Ge: “What rare beast is it?”

Jiang Chao Ge looked at the little Zuzong in his lap who glared at everyone he saw and didn’t give a good expression to anyone except him and smiled: “Secret.”

Qi Ran Jun narrowed his eyes and didn’t ask again.

The walked for a day and a night and arrived at Qiu Ru City to resupply. Only after going more than three hundred metres north from Qiu Ru City could they arrive at the guardian clan, Qi Clan’s supreme headquarters—— Yu Fa City. There, it was freezing. There were eight months of winter in a year. Qi Clan of the north possessed the most nobles that owned territories. But two thirds of these territories were frozen wastelands no one resided in. No one knew what type of scary monsters and beasts hid in those areas.

Arriving at Qiu Ru City, Jiang Chao Ge took advantage of the fact that Simone was paying for them to buy lots of alcohol.

Zhi Xuan drank several gulps, expression somewhat flat and insipid, “I feel like that Que Shen Alcohol is just the right flavour.”

“Didn’t you finish it?”

“You go ask the spirit weapon user of the fox how to brew it.”

Jiang Chao Ge just happened to want to go chat with Long Xiang. This time he had an excuse. He glanced at Qi Ran Jun, “Sir, can I go see Long Xiang?”

Qi Ran Jun had already removed his suit of silver armour and helmet, revealing a young and resolute face and a stalwart figure. After he heard it, he glanced at Yu Ren Shu awkwardly.

Yu Ren Shu said: “Zhi Xuan is addicted to drinking. Ran Jun, let them go ask Long Xiang.”

Qi Ran Jun nodded his head, giving a meaningful glance to his imperial bodyguard.

The imperial bodyguard took Jiang Chao Ge and Zhi Xuan upstairs. Long Xiang and Zui You was imprisoned in the innermost room, a lot of people guarding them.

Entering the room, Long Xiang was situated on the ground with hands were tied up, cultivating with eyes closed. Zui You sat at the side with a leg lifted, eating light refreshments.

Hearing movement, Long Xiang opened his eyes, sweeping his gaze indifferently over Jiang Chao Ge.

Zui You smiled faintly, “What did you come here for?”

Jiang Chao Ge said: “Zhi Xuan cannot forget Que Shen Alcohol and wants me to ask the brewing method.”

Long Xiang said coldly: “Do you think I look like I’m in the mood to tell you the brewing method of alcohol?”

“You can’t do anything else right now anyway.” Jiang Chao Ge said to the imperial bodyguard that followed them in, “Little Brother, prepare a pen and paper for me.”

The imperial bodyguard opened the door to call people to retrieve it, simultaneously leaving the room. Soon, he placed pen and paper on the table.

Zui You stood up. It seemed almost like his body had no bones as he leisurely walked over. When he passed by that imperial bodyguard, he suddenly twisted his head and blew a puff of air at him.

That imperial bodyguard froze, eyes immediately becoming hazy, body swaying, motionless as if he had lost his spirit.

Zui You crossed his arms and leaned on the wall, saying with a smile: “What do you want to say?”

Jiang Chao Ge sat at one side of the table, “I already said, the brewing method of Que Shen Alcohol.”

“Wait until I’m free, then I’ll tell you.”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled, “You can’t be thinking that you can lure me with such a promise?”

“Then what do you want? You came here especially, just for alcohol?”

“What can I do if my Zuzong likes to drink your alcohol?” Jiang Chao Ge stroked Zhi Xuan’s hair, “Also, I think it’s a pity for you to die so young.”

Long Xiang’s eyes were blazing like torches, staring at him unblinkingly. Zui You turned his pupils, thinking deeply about something.

“I’m not interested in the grudge between you and Qi Clan. I’m only advising you, if you want to survive, don’t meet force with force. These couple of days, I chatted with Qi Ran Jun. I know that that Clan brother of his isn’t from his own family. Their position also isn’t very high. If he dies, he dies. It definitely cannot compare to the importance of a Heaven grade spirit weapon. The reason they want to catch you, is still mainly because of Zui You Halberd. His Clan brother is no more than a reasonable excuse. You can pledge loyalty to Qi Ran Jun, definitely keeping your life that way.”

Long Xiang snorted coldly, “I won’t be a noble’s slave.”

“No matter how ambitious and proud you are, dying ends all your troubles. Living is still the most important.”

Jiang Chao Ge stared into his blue pupils, “Unless you don’t want to go home?”

Long Xiang froze.

“You should’ve heard, I’m an Other World person, the same as you, having a home that’s hard to return to. So I understand your feelings.”

Long Xiang closed his eyes, a maturity surpassing his age on his face, “I was sold to Tian Ling continent, just like those rare overseas animals, ornaments, silks, satins and jewellery. That time I was only a slave. I broke free of that life with much difficulty. I’d rather die, then go back to it.”

Jiang Chao Ge shook his head with a smile, “You are quite stubborn huh? But you knew perfectly well that entering the north was very dangerous and you still dared move around nearby. What was it for in the end?”

Long Xiang said straightforwardly: “Money. I want to collect a lot of money so I can return to my hometown.”

“The Qi Clan has no shortage of money.”

Long Xiang gave a light snort.

Jiang Chao Ge shrugged, “Living in plenty without appreciating it. If only my problem could be solved using money.”

Long Xiang lifted his chin, “Didn’t you want the brewing method of Que Shen Alcohol? I say, you record.”

Before Jiang Chao Ge returned, he shook that secret method in from of Qi Ran Jun and then stuffed it into his robes.

They ate a meal and each returned to their own room to rest.

Zhi Xuan repeatedly looked at that secret brewing method and said disappointedly: “A lot of the materials are only available in the south.”

“Relax. Yu Fa City definitely has everything.”

“Brew alcohol for me when we arrive at Yu Fa City.”

“No problem. This alcohol doesn’t seem to be of a very high class. Why do you like it so much?”

“The flavour of this alcohol is rarely seen on the Tian Ling continent. In any case, I haven’t drunk it before.” Zhi Xuan thought for a moment, “Its very mellow, not quite the same as strong alcohol I drink. Changing flavour once in a while is not so bad.”

Jiang Chao Ge said with a smile: “Thankfully you only like alcohol.” If he liked some extremely expensive thing, he couldn’t support it.

“Living for such a long time, how’s it alright not to have a little something I like….” Zhi Xuan curled his lip, “Yin Chuan that old fool, is most boring. All day, other than reading books, it’s reading books.”

“You can only obtain knowledge from reading books.”

“I’m not interested in the knowledge of humans.”

Jiang Chao Ge pinched his small chubby cheeks, “It doesn’t matter. You’ve learnt a lot just by being with me.”

“Isn’t that because you are my servant.” Zhi Xuan thought for a moment, “Why do you care so much about the life and death of Long Xiang?”

“Isn’t it a pity for such a young skilful fight to die like this?” Jiang Chao Ge revealed a light smile, “And he needs money. I like people who need money the most.”

“What do you mean?”

“People who want money are easy to satisfy, just giving them money is fine. I’m most afraid of people who don’t want anything, or want something I can’t give.”

“You want to rope him in?”

“Its best if he can be used by us. At the moment, what we lack most is manpower. How good would it be to have the assistance of a Heaven grade spirit weapon.”

“But you also heard, he isn’t willing to take orders from others.”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled: “He said that he isn’t willing to be a slave. This type of proud and ambitious child is actually very easy to deal with. Right now he’s fallen into dire straits

Zhi Xuan looked at him with a frown, “Are all humans like you? So…”

“So what?”

“So devious.”

Jiang Chao Ge rubbed his hair, “That’s called resourcefulness.”

“But I hate that annoying fox.”

“Zhi Xuan, you are a Zuzong. Zuzong needs to have a degree of tolerance towards people.”

“Why should I? I’m not a human, why do I have to be tolerant of others?”

Jiang Chao Ge hugged him and shook him a little, “Then pretend it’s for me.”

Zhi Xuan’s cheeks heated up, slowly snorting out from his nose, “Ok then. But you’re not allowed to look at that annoying fox again. Careful of losing your mind. If you do, I’ll eat him then I’ll eat you.”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled: “Alright, I won’t look.”

On the road the second day, Jiang Chao Ge inform Yu Ren Shu of his plans, at least it wasn’t the right time right now. Going to Qi Clan this time, he didn’t know what could happen. If Qi Clan engaged conspiratorial activities and urged Yu Ren Shu to stay, both sides hitting off easily, not hanging out with him anymore, then he would be dumbfounded. He must ensure that when he left, he would at least be bringing along one Heaven grade spirit weapon.

After close to half a month of trekking, they finally arrived at Yu Fa City.

That towering majestic, city erected at the centre of the north was a city amidst snow and ice. From afar, one could make out that it was filled with silver and dressed in white, backed against the continuous rising and falling, Yu Fa Mountains, an expanse of white snow in front as far as the eye could see, seeming very solemn and grave.

Qi Clan people who received a tipoff ahead of time, were outside the gates to meet Yu Ren Shu. Although a battle array wasn’t as extravagant as truly welcoming the royal family, but Yu Ren Shu was frustrated and downtrodden throughout the journey. Being able to receive this kind of courteous reception also allowed his heart to be much more comfortable.

An old man, wearing an arctic fox overcoat and bearing an imposing manner, rushed to Yu Ren Shu and bowed deeply, saying in a clear loud voice: “Qi Ling Feng respectfully welcomes Your Third Prince Highness.”

Jiang Chao Ge knew that this was Qi Clan’s patriarch, the clan leader of the largest nobles in the north.

Yu Ren Shu dismounted the horse and said with cupped hands: “Elder Qi, long time no see. I didn’t expect us to meet again by fate in this life being separated by thousands of Li.”

Qi Ran Jun also cupped his hands and said: “Sir Father.”

Qi Ling Feng said emotionally: “When Your Majesty came to the north that year, you were still only a child. If you walked by on the streets with such a confident and soldierly appearance, I definitely wouldn’t be able to recognise you.”

Yu Ren Shu smiled, “Yes, ten years have passed in a blink of an eye.”

“Welcome Your Highness.” Qi Ling Feng mounted a horse, personally leading Yu Ren Shu into the city.

Yu Fa City was the biggest city in the north. Even if the temperature was extremely cold, it couldn’t conceal its flourishing, magnificent landscape. Pedestrians on the street weaved in and out. They probably heard about the arrival of Yu Ren Shu and came to see the fun.

Jiang Chao Ge became even more certain that Qi Clan had some sort of scheme. The matter of Yu Ren Shu assassinating the State Preceptor and then later absconding is probably known to everyone on the Tian Ling continent. It’s alright even if Qi Ling Feng didn’t help the royal family catch the escaped criminal but actually receiving Yu Ren Shu like a prince into the city on such a grand scale, isn’t this obviously confronting the royal family? On the road here, he could never find a suitable opportunity to speak with Yu Ren Shu. Tonight, he must find him and speak with him.

Qi Clan’s grand headquarters were in the deepest parts of Yu Fa City. From afar, it looked like it was connected with a section of Yu Fa Mountain, extending more than several thousand Mu.

After entering the headquarters, Jiang Chao Ge and Zhi Xuan were arranged into a quiet and secluded dwelling. The inside was as warm as spring and summer. As soon as Zhi Xuan entered the dwelling, he shouted that he wanted a bath. Yu Ren Shu, however, went with Qi Ling Feng. Ever since he entered the city, Jiang Chao Ge had not seen Long Xiang and Zui You again. He remembered that his own fate was unpredictable and actually wasn’t much safer than Long Xiang. He didn’t trust anyone from the bottom of his heart, so he always left an escape route for himself whenever he did anything. Right now, he needed to look at Yu Ren Shu’s attitude and then plan the next step.

He took a bath with Zhi Xuan, washing away the dirt and fatigue on their bodies. Then climbed into bed, comfortable and refreshed and fell asleep.

Because the fire burned too vigorously in the fireplace in the room and Zhi Xuan still stuck himself to his body, he was so hot he sweated profusely, having a nightmare in his sleep. He dreamt that he was pursued and torn at by many different types of rare beasts. In the end, he was burnt to ashes by flames spat out by that powerful and ferocious Qi Lin…. He suddenly opened his eyes and discovered the sky had already turned dark.

Zhi Xuan also awoke, rubbing his eyes and asking: “What’s wrong with you?”

“Slept for this long…..” Jiang Chao Ge turned his body and got out of bed, “I’m going to see if Yu Ren Shu has returned.”

He lead Zhi Xuan out of the dwelling and was immediately approached by attendants, “Sir, I saw that you were sleeping soundly so I didn’t dare call you for dinner. Do you want dinner now?”

“Alright.”

“Sir can return to the room and wait for a moment.”

Jiang Chao Ge thought, this is quite close surveillance. He said: “I want to see Shu….. Third Prince Highness. Where is he?”

“He is currently discussing important matters with Clan Leader.”

“Oh, I’m not hungry. I want to stroll around. It’s my first time coming to the north. Every brick and tile here is very different from everywhere else.”

“Then I will lead Sir.”

Jiang Chao Ge discovered that he couldn’t discard this tail and could only allow him to follow. Having an extra guide actually made it more convenient for him to understand the situation here.

They strolled here and there and coincidentally ran into Qi Ran Jun. Qi Ran Jun just happened to throw open the door of an old and remote room in a great rage. He saw them from a distance and froze.

The attendant hurriedly saluted, “Second Gongzi.”

Qi Ran Jun said angrily: “Who allowed you to take Sir to this type of course and crude place?!”

The attendant was so scared he knelt with a plop, “Sir wanted….”

Jiang Chao Ge said hurriedly: “It was me that wandered aimlessly here. It has nothing to do with him.”

Qi Ran Jun took a deep breath and said coldly: “Its remote and cold here. Please return Sir.”

Jiang Chao Ge’s gaze drifted towards the room Qi Ran Jun came out of and only gave it a sweeping glance before immediately turning his gaze away. He smiled: “True. I’ve walked too far and am also hungry. Let’s go back and eat.”

The attendant repeatedly said “yes”.

On the way back, Jiang Chao Ge asked that attendant, “What type of place did we go to just now? Why did Second Gongzi come out in anger?”

The attendant shook his head, “Sir, it’s inconvenient for me to say.”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled: “Don’t be nervous. It’s not like it was a jail. It shouldn’t be a big secret. Besides, I’m an outsider and will be leaving in a few days.” He fished out several silver coins from his clothes and threw it to the attendant, “I’m only curious.”

The attendant saw that no one was around and quickly stuffed the silver coins into his clothes. He whispered: “There, although it’s not a jail, it’s about the same.”

“Oh? What do you mean?”

“A woman is locked there.”

“What woman?”

The attendant lowered his voice, “Its Clan Leader’s secret daughter.” His face revealed disdain, “Her mother is a prostitute. She cannot enter the clan and also can’t use the clan surname. The Clan Leader only took her into the headquarters because he saw that she was pitiful. But she actually stole something.”

“Stole what?”

The attendant shook his head, “Don’t know. In any case, it should be something amazing. Clan Leader was very angry, so he locked her up. That woman is amazing. Even if it is here in the north full of outstanding women, she’s still a powerful spirit weapon user.”

“Then why is Second Gongzi going to find her?”

“I heard….. Second Gongzi likes her. Actually, if she follows Second Gongzi, she wouldn’t be locked up for this long. Second Gongzi is soldierly, confident and respectable and also has a Heaven grade spirit weapon. Really don’t know what she’s thinking.”

Jiang Chao Ge criticised within his head, but they were brothers and sisters with the same father! As expected, the people on Tian Ling continent didn’t abstain from this at all. However, he was becoming even more curious of that woman. He really wanted to see what type of remarkable woman it was.

He and Zhi Xuan returned to eat.

After eating, it was already very late. Jiang Chao Ge refused to sleep and insisted on seeing Yu Ren Shu. The attendant had no choice and could only take him.

Yu Ren Shu’s face was full of fatigue. When he saw him, he seemed to release a breath. He sent the attendant away and shut the door tight, “They didn’t put you under house arrest. Thank goodness.”

“What happened?”

“In short, Qi Ling Feng wants to help me fight back Tian Ao City and seize the throne.”

Jiang Chao Ge nodded, “As expected. You didn’t refuse immediately right?”

“No. We are still in his territory after all.” Yu Ren Shu rubbed his temples, “I originally hoped that he could give us some help in finding Divine grade spirit weapons, but this help is overdoing it. I absolutely won’t call the troops in rebellion.”

Jiang Chao Ge smiled: “You are much more tactful this time. Listen to me. Control him first, tell him you need to think about it. Then, make him help you find the whereabouts of Divine grade spirit weapons.”

“And then? What if he really finds it?”

“Finding it is a good thing. If it’s a Heaven grade spirit weapon, if we can’t take it let him have it. If it’s Divine grade, placing it in the Qi Clan is still more secure than anywhere else. Without the State Preceptor, even if we find Divine grade spirit weapons, it won’t be easy for us to deal with it.”

Yu Ren Shu sighed, “If he finds out we were using him in the end…..”

“When he finds out, we’ll already have left.” Jiang Chao Ge stroked his chin, “However, I want to take Long Xiang and Zui You along.”

Mu/亩- a unit of measurement often a classified of fields. It’s around one fifteenth of a hectare.

Gongzi/公子- an honorific often used to address the son of nobility. There’s no direct English translation of this term so I just left it.