Chapter 569: Rainy

Chapter 569: Rainy

Spring had arrived, but the Northern Frontier was still filled with wind and snow. Though it had lessened considerably, it still fell intermittently.

The farther south they traveled, the better the weather became. But in reality, it was still cold, though not as bitter as in the north. Yet, winter would always pass, whether objectively or subjectively.

The cultivators heading south appeared far more dejected compared to when they had first gone up north. Though they were all returning home safely, some of their clansmen and friends would forever remain in the desolate north.

A faint sense of sorrow lingered among the group.

The scholars from the academy who accompanied them also did not have pleasant expressions. Some of their students had perished during this journey, including disciples of their old friends. They were now thinking about how to explain these losses to their friends.

Wei Xu was not sitting inside the carriage but was instead driving it, watching the ever-changing scenery pass by, lost in his own thoughts.

At the rear of the convoy, inside one of the carriages, Xie Nandu sat across from Chen Chao. Xie Nandu was writing something with an ink brush, her head lowered. Chen Chao looked at her, as though wanting to say something but hesitating.

After some time, Xie Nandu finished her task, raised her head, and handed what she had written to Chen Chao.

"Memorize it."

Xie Nandu said softly, her voice not loud but carrying a tone that allowed no objections.

Chen Chao frowned as he looked at the small booklet in his hand. He found that it contained Xie Nandu's insights on the demon territory and the Northern Frontier, all based on the places she had visited and the records she had studied. Her conclusions were well-founded, and it could be said that if Xie Nandu were to join the Northern Frontier Army as a general, she would have little difficulty. Moreover, she had long proven her capabilities.

She was highly suited for leading troops into battle. The only issues were that she lacked prestige within the army and that she was a woman.

These two matters posed significant challenges.

Especially the latter, since there was still a prevailing bias against women in the world today.

Chen Chao said irritatedly, "I don't want to be the Great General, so why should I memorize this?"

Xie Nandu could not bothered to argue further, she simply said, "Memorize it."

Chen Chao sighed, reluctantly putting the booklet away, and said with a smile, "I'll memorize it when I have time. I'll give it back to you when I'm done."

Xie Nandu shook her head, "No need."

Since she had written it down, she had already committed all of it to memory and did not need to look at this booklet anymore.

Chen Chao muttered, "I really don't know how your brain works."

Xie Nandu responded, "I also don't know how yours works."

Knowing he could not win an argument with the woman in front of him, Chen Chao said nothing more. Instead, he pulled out a handkerchief and, mimicking Xie Nandu's tone, said, "Memorize this."

Xie Nandu took the handkerchief, frowning slightly because it was clearly a woman's handkerchief.

Chen Chao, feeling a bit guilty, turned his head away.

"What is this?” Xie Nandu asked.

Chen Chao replied, “It's a technique called Qi Observing Technique. It's very useful, but right now I think its greatest use is in helping you figure out if someone is lying.”

Xie Nandu frowned and asked, “Is this a secret art from the lineage of qi refiners?”

Chen Chao was surprised, “You even know that?"

There are many things recorded in the academy's library. Knowing about this isn't difficult,” Xie Nandu said calmly. “But this should be one of the most secretive methods of the qi refiners; not something that's passed down in the outside world.”

At this point, Chen Chao felt even more guilty.

In a soft voice, Xie Nandu said, “Did you kill a female qi refiner just for this secret technique?”

The outcome would depend on what result could satisfy all the parties involved.

Xie Nandu said softly, "It's a very troublesome matter, perhaps even more dangerous than your time in the desolate north."

Chen Chao raised an eyebrow and said, "It seems like ever since I learned of this, I've already fallen into some trap."

"That's right."

Xie Nandu smiled and said, "You've improved a little."

Chen Chao asked, "Do you have a solution?"

"No."

Xie Nandu smiled and said, "I'm not an immortal. Oftentimes, I'm powerless against much of what happens in this world."

"Besides..."

Xie Nandu added softly, "This is a choice between you and your uncle."

Chen Chao asked, "Do you think he will kill me?"

Xie Nandu replied, "That's an answer you'll have to find on your own."

Chen Chao smiled and said indifferently, "I already know the answer."

Xie Nandu frowned slightly and said, "You shouldn't trust someone so easily."

"But blood is thicker than water. He's my biological uncle by blood."

Chen Chao smiled and looked at Xie Nandu in front of him.

"That elder brother of yours certainly didn't treat His Majesty as his uncle," Xie Nandu noticed that Chen Chao was getting closer and frowned slightly.

Chen Chao smiled, "He’s him, and I’m me."

"When I saw you that time, I took a gamble and won. This time, I'll win again. I have no doubt."

As he spoke, the distance between Chen Chao and Xie Nandu was less than an inch.

Xie Nandu frowned, saying, "Move away..."

Before she could finish, her mouth was already silenced.

She frowned slightly, feeling a certain someone's breath. Soon, she felt weak all over.

She reached her hand out, wanting to push him away. But when her hand rested on his chest, she found she had no strength left. So, she placed her hand on Chen Chao's shoulder instead.

After a long while, their lips parted, and Chen Chao whispered, "Last time you took advantage of me. This time, it's my turn."

Xie Nandu's cheeks flushed slightly. "Shameless."

But before she could say anything more, he pressed in again.

The woman exhaled softly like orchids, "Watch where you're touching."

......

......

At some point in time, it started raining outside the carriage.