Chapter 61: The Old Emperor’s Unusual Move

“General Zu, would you mind telling me why the White Tiger Army is making such unusual movements?” Ji Huo inquired.

Zu Xingye dismissed his attendants, closed the door, and finally replied, “Second Young Master, this is by order of His Majesty.”

The old emperor’s orders? Ji Huo was somewhat surprised.

Taking a step forward, Zu Xingye lowered his voice and continued, “His Majesty has commanded the White Tiger Army to drive out all civilians within a hundred-mile radius of Mount Tianjue, seal off the surrounding roads, and forbid anyone to enter. The task must be completed within half a month.”

What in the world?

What was the old emperor planning? To expel all the people within a hundred miles—what on earth could warrant such a drastic measure? If handled poorly, it would certainly provoke public outrage. Had he gone mad?

Ji Huo was momentarily dumbfounded, then asked, “How are the Flying Bear Army and my father responding?”

“The Flying Bear Army is stationed ten miles outside the capital and remains inactive. The Flying Bear General doesn’t know the specifics, but he is likely tasked with defending the capital and will not be deployed elsewhere,” Zu Xingye answered respectfully.

The Flying Bear Army stationed outside the capital… Ji Huo frowned. Previously, the Flying Bear Army had also been near the capital, but at a distance of fifty miles.

Now it was reduced to ten miles? And his father was to remain in the capital?

Ji Huo’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be that the old emperor sensed his end was near and, fearing a power struggle between his sons, had the Flying Bear Army ready to suppress any chaos?

But the last time Ji Huo saw the old emperor, the latter’s martial prowess seemed undiminished—his strength was unfathomable, and it didn’t feel as if he would die so soon.

Yet, the emperor’s recent maneuvers in the capital all looked like arrangements for his final days. Besides mobilizing the White Tiger Army…

But why mobilize the White Tiger Army?

Seeing Ji Huo deep in thought, Zu Xingye added, “It’s said that a first-rank master visited His Majesty a few days ago, delivering a letter.”

A letter?

So it was this letter that prompted the emperor’s actions, as if he’d received a terrible shock.

Ji Huo shot Zu Xingye a glance and said with a smile, “General Zu, isn’t it inappropriate to share such royal affairs with someone like me?”

Zu Xingye returned a courteous salute, smiling. “In fact, it’s not much of a secret. We were equally puzzled when the orders came down; our commander explained just as much. I believe it’s now common knowledge within the White Tiger Army, so there’s no harm in telling you.”

He paused, then added, “Besides, Second Young Master is not only the son of the Flying Bear General, but since the Eldest Young Master gave you his token, there’s no problem sharing everything with you.”

Ji Huo asked in astonishment, “Does my elder brother have such influence?”

“Well…” Zu Xingye hesitated, his words vague. “The Eldest Young Master and our White Tiger Army… share a bond. Yes, a bond.”

An image of his elder brother surfaced in Ji Huo’s mind, along with a trace of doubt, which he quickly suppressed. He cupped his fists and said, “Thank you, General Zu, for your candor.”

“No need for thanks, Second Young Master. Should you ever need the White Tiger Army, just say the word!” Zu Xingye replied with equal courtesy.

As Zu Xingye was about to leave, Ji Huo suddenly remembered something and asked, “By the way, General Zu, are you familiar with a peak named Daxing Mountain?”

“Daxing Mountain?” Zu Xingye repeated, surprised. “Isn’t that just a hill?”

“Huh?” Ji Huo was taken aback. He had worried the spot marked on the treasure map was obscure, known only to a select few. From Zu Xingye’s response, that seemed to be the case.

Zu Xingye pulled out a map and spread it open. “If I hadn’t seen this map a couple of days ago, I wouldn’t have known the name myself.”

The map was clearly the blockade map of Mount Tianjue. From the map, Mount Tianjue towered into the clouds, surrounded by numerous small peaks densely clustered.

Ji Huo searched for a while before finally spotting, in a corner, a tiny label: Daxing Mountain.

Compared to Mount Tianjue, Daxing Mountain was indeed just an unremarkable mound, indistinguishable even from the other hills nearby.

“This map was drawn by scouts in the past two days. To seal off the entire area, they asked around for the names of prominent peaks. For those without known names, they simply made them up,” Zu Xingye explained.

So the name was just invented on the spot?

Ji Huo’s mouth twitched; he couldn’t help but suspect the system was unreliable.

From the map, that inconspicuous Daxing Mountain was indeed within the cordoned area.

“The name Daxing Mountain is quite generic and likely common elsewhere. Are you sure this is the one you’re looking for, Second Young Master?” Zu Xingye asked.

“I believe so,” Ji Huo sighed.

“In that case, please accept this map, Second Young Master,” Zu Xingye said with a smile. “The forests around Mount Tianjue are dense. Without this map, it would be difficult to find that particular peak.”

“This… isn’t it a bit inappropriate? It’s a military map, after all,” Ji Huo said, delighted but also a little puzzled.

“The Eldest Young Master and our White Tiger Army share a bond. I’ll inform the commander when I return; he won’t punish me,” Zu Xingye replied with a mysterious smile.

Just how deep is this bond between my elder brother and the White Tiger Army? All I did was present a token, and they tell me every secret and even gift me a map. If I needed to mobilize the White Tiger Army, would it be just as easy?

Ji Huo’s lips twitched uncontrollably. His brother had said that wherever he went, presenting the token would earn him respect, but this level of influence was beyond his expectations.

He was now tempted to try the token with the other armies, just to see how much power it wielded.

…

The next day, the group set out once more.

This day, they encountered no obstructions—presumably, the rest of the martial world was already hurrying toward Violet Lightning Peak.

But the martial world was vast, and it would take time to arrive.

Upon reaching a gorge, Ji Huo halted everyone.

He dismissed the coachmen, then said to Shi Ya, “Ahead lies Violet Lightning Peak. It will take a full day to reach the summit. This Nine Bends Gorge, with its winding paths and cliffs a hundred yards high, would take at least three days to scale directly, making it the only route to Violet Lightning Peak. I’ll hold the pass here for you, buying you two days.”

He looked at her earnestly and said, “If you do not return in two days, I will come looking for you. Should you be consumed by demonic energy, I will kill you. If you fail in your revenge and die, I’ll slaughter everyone at Violet Lightning Peak to avenge you.”

Shi Ya took a deep breath, then bowed deeply. “Thank you for your great kindness, sir. I will return within two days! If I do not, do not hesitate to strike.”

Shi Ya could not go alone; someone must accompany her. That person was obviously Qian Wu.

But if Shi Ya fell to demonic influence and lost all sense, there was a chance she might kill Qian Wu as well.

“Do you have any regrets?” Ji Huo asked Qian Wu.

Qian Wu grinned openly, “Boss, you always said a man should stand tall, and take responsibility for every choice he makes. You never taught us to regret.”

Ji Huo nodded, his face full of pride. If Qian Wu survived this mission, he would truly be worthy of great responsibility, and Ji Huo would have no qualms entrusting him with that matter.

The two bowed deeply to Ji Huo and Xia Ningshang, then, hand in hand, supported each other as they ventured deeper into the Nine Bends Gorge.

Ji Huo turned to Xia Ningshang. “What are your plans, Miss Xia?”

She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. Though she thought Ji Huo’s plan was rather reckless—after all, people tire, and if they faced wave after wave of opponents, it would be hard to hold out—the best strategy was to keep a safe distance and watch the fight unfold from afar.

Yet, as she adjusted her hair, she smiled lightly. “Since you are determined to stand alone against the heroes of the Central Plains, of course I will stay by your side and witness this grand event. That way, I can at least have a sense of participation.”

Ji Huo gazed at her for a moment, then smiled and nodded. Casually, he drew a long sword from his spatial pouch and planted it in the earth.

With his back to the towering gorge and his face toward the endless mountain road, he gripped the hilt with both hands, eyes alight with fighting spirit. Proudly, he declared, “Then let me see what manner of heroes this martial world truly boasts.”

Standing with her back to him, Xia Ningshang glanced at the proud silhouette of the young man. A flicker of wonder flashed through her eyes.