The Southern Kingdom was a city after all, and had a lot of resources. Especially since it was only enough for a hundred people, he only had to pay for it. He spent fifty taels of silver and managed to procure more than ten ox-carts.
Along the way, the sky was wide and the clouds were low. On both sides of the road were fields. Some were crops, some were tobacco leaves. Off in the distance, there was a mountain range. There were houses all over the place. Every house had a blue and white checkered pattern on the walls. Most of them were hand-painted by the owners. Pei Zi Yun felt refreshed as he remembered many things.
'Ai, it's been two years since I've been here.'
He thought of the night when he woke up, the night he fought and became an Elementary Scholar. Then he heard that Ye Su 'er had left and formed an enmity with Holy Jail Sect. He then entered the city to become a Top Scorer and personally requested for a title. Now, he had come to the Southern Kingdom. He had traveled half a kilometer to the entrance of a mountain.
However, the peddler refused to go any further.
"Young Master, it's not that we don't want to go up the mountain. It's just that the mountain is too dangerous. If Young Master insists on going, we have no choice but to go back." The peddler rejected Pei Zi Yun's request.
When He Qing Qing heard the peddler's words, her face turned cold, "Young Master, there's no need to make things difficult for them. The mountain is used to misunderstandings."
When He Qing Qing finished speaking, her face turned gloomy. Seeing this, Pei Zi Yun understood and sighed, "Let's unload the goods and you can go back."
As soon as he said this, the peddler hurriedly said, "Thank you Young Master, thank you Young Master."
He hurriedly unloaded the horses and ox-carts. He didn't even bother with the carriages as he hurried back. When he was a distance away, he said, "This Young Master from the mainland is so stupid. How did he manage to get in touch with this mountain? Isn't he afraid of being eaten by the poisonous snakes in the mountains?"
"Women are tempting. Look at this pretty girl. Maybe she's been poisoned. Let's see how long he can live."
He Qing Qing didn't have much interest in this. When she heard the discussion, her face fell. She held onto her miaodao and said to Pei Zi Yun, "Young Chieftain, these people dare to insult you. I shall go up and kill them all."
He Qing Qing was about to go up when Pei Zi Yun stopped her and said, "There's no need to kill these people. I know why."
Pei Zi Yun looked at her gently, "I've heard you say that my uncle has set up the mountain. The Southern Kingdom has tried to attack the mountain several times but failed."
"Since that's the case, let's use the economy — money, goods, and provisions."
"Not only did the King of the Southern Kingdom impose a political ban, but he also spread rumors that the people in the stronghold dug out their hearts and ate humans, and that there were countless venomous insects and snakes. Perhaps he even deliberately created bloodshed and conflicts in the beginning. After a long time, everyone naturally believed the rumors. Even the normal trade and communications were gradually cut off. This is the reason why the stronghold is in such a difficult situation."
"From this point alone, it can be seen that the King of the Southern Kingdom is not a mediocre ruler. It's a pity that the decline of his kingdom is irreversible." Pei Zi Yun then said, "Although the Southern Kingdoms have been destroyed and returned to Xuzhou County, the rumors will eventually become the truth. Besides, even without the King of the Southern Kingdoms, there are still other tribes with enemies."
"That's why it's so difficult to solve this dilemma."
"I see that this benefactor is Bo. He must be someone from a certain tribe." Pei Zi Yun wore a smile on his face as he frowned and lectured, "You are the steward of the stronghold, you should understand this."
When He Qing Qing heard this, she was enlightened. Her eyes turned red, "So that's how it is. Actually, the leader of the stronghold had left behind quite a lot of gold and silver. But even with money, it was difficult to buy anything. Even if he did, the price would be several times more expensive."
"My mother was always worried. Before she died, she held my hand and said that I was useless. She said that I had ruined the Chieftain's family business. She even said that this was the Young Chieftain's property. If the Young Chieftain were to come one day, how was she going to explain this to him?"
"It was us who were useless. We couldn't see through their schemes."
At this point, He Qing Qing started tearing up. When Pei Zi Yun heard this, his heart was filled with sorrow as well. He then waved his hands, "Alright, it's good that you're still alive. Let's move these wagons up the mountain."
Hearing Pei Zi Yun's words, He Qing Qing then stopped, "Young Master, please wait a moment. I shall summon my fellow tribesmen."
He Qing Qing then placed her fingers in her mouth and formed a ring with her fingers. She then blew into the ring and blew a unique whistle. Before long, a huge eagle swooped down from the mountain. He Qing Qing stretched out her hands and caught the eagle. She patted its head as the eagle rubbed against her.
"Little Yu, little Yu, bring this cloth back and hand it over to the stronghold." He Qing Qing then tied a piece of cloth around the eagle's neck and released it. The eagle then flew up into the sky.
Before long, dozens of people could be seen descending the mountain. When they got closer, they saw more than ten people, "Stronghold Chieftain, you've finally returned. If you didn't return, the mountain would have run out of food."
Pei Zi Yun looked at these people. Although there were about ten strong men, most of them were old and frail. When they saw the rations, they were extremely excited.
"All of you are here. I've finally found the Young Chieftain. Come and pay your respects." He Qing Qing shouted out to everyone. Hearing these words, these people didn't react in time. They then started discussing amongst themselves.
He Qing Qing's face was cold as she pulled them aside to speak. After some time, a group of people turned around and prostrated themselves on the ground, "Greetings Young Chieftain."
Pei Zi Yun felt that it wasn't easy to accept such a form of address. However, he didn't say anything, "Everyone, get up. Let's move the rations up the mountain."
The villagers then stood up and replied, "Thank you Young Chieftain."
Some of them pulled the carts, while others pushed the carts. More than ten carts of rations were moved up the mountain. The entire scene was filled with laughter and laughter.
When they reached the stronghold, there weren't many people around. Pei Zi Yun looked at He Qing Qing and asked, "Why are there so few people in the stronghold?"
Hearing Pei Zi Yun's words, He Qing Qing's eyes dimmed, "All these years, the stronghold has been oppressed. Some people couldn't take it any longer and ran away."
Hearing these words, Pei Zi Yun sighed. The people in the stronghold hadn't left the mountain. Everyone had gathered around. Indeed, there were only about a hundred of them.
He Qing Qing spoke to an old woman. She was dressed in the most complete set of clothes, and could still be seen. Her face was filled with wrinkles as she asked, "Miss, is this the Young Chieftain?"
He Qing Qing replied, "Yes, granny. I've verified it. Not only did the Young Chieftain inherit the Chieftain's sword techniques, he also inherited the Chieftain's witchcraft. He will definitely lead us to a bright future."
Everyone started cheering. Many years ago, the Chieftain had led the stronghold to fight against the Chieftain. He had conquered more than ten strongholds, and was awe-inspiring. This glory was still etched in the memories of the elderly, and was passed down to the younger generation.
The group of people bowed to the Young Chieftain and shouted, "Greetings, Young Chieftain."
Pei Zi Yun raised his hands, "All of you rise. Rations, cloth, meat. Distribute them among yourselves. These are nothing. There will be more in the future."
Hearing Pei Zi Yun's words, everyone started cheering. They then proceeded to roast the meat, distribute the wine, distribute the milk fans, and distribute the rations. Everyone was in a festive mood as they danced and sang. Regardless of whether they were men or women, they were all gathered around the bonfire, holding hands as they sang and danced.
He Qing Qing watched on as tears rolled down her cheeks. How many years had it been since she last saw such a scene?
Pei Zi Yun's face was solemn. Although He Qing Qing had said that those who stayed behind were the most devout of her followers, Pei Zi Yun could see that many of them were already numb to it. Time had long since worn away the passion and devotion they once had. Accepting him was just a matter of habit. However, this was human nature, and Pei Zi Yun did not have any objections. He then turned to He Qing Qing and said, "Uncle has passed away. I should pay him a visit. Please lead me there."
He Qing Qing nodded her head, "Young Chieftain, of course. Please follow me."
The core of the stronghold was a huge courtyard. The first impression it gave off was that it was extremely majestic. Exquisite arches were erected, and there were two layers of arches. The walls were white, and the bricks were grey. The bricks were blue, and the walls were blue.
They entered through the main door. The buildings were connected by corridors, and the stairs were arranged in an ingenious manner. It was easy to get to and fro from one another. The corridors in the courtyard were crisscrossed, and there were four round windows in each corner. The doors and windows were made of wood, which gave it a sense of grandeur. However, it was obvious that although the buildings had been cleaned, they were old and broken.
"This is the Chieftain's residence. When the Young Chieftain arrives, we will clean it up." He Qing Qing was a little embarrassed, "Now, let's go to the back mountain and pay our respects to the Chieftain's tomb."
Southern Kingdom City
Within a courtyard, Shi Mu Zhong had followed Pei Zi Yun all the way to the Southern Kingdom. He was listening to the reports of the spies he had planted in the Southern Kingdom.
"Li Xianlian, Daoist, uncle? Lumen Shan? "
"You're saying that the High Priest from twenty years ago was called Li Xianlian?" Shi Mu Zhong frowned as he asked.
"Yes. Not many people know this name. It seems like Pei Zi Yun didn't know anything about it either. The person he asked was the Registrar Registrar that we had planted in the government."
"The Registrar Registrar didn't know anything about it at first. It was only after some investigation that he found out."
Shi Mu Zhong paced back and forth, his heart was filled with suspicion, "According to the reports, Lumen Shan was the last surviving member of the High Priest. However, times have changed. What relationship does this person have with Pei Zi Yun? Could it be that he wants to inherit the High Priest's mantle and rebel? That's a joke. "
"But Pei Zi Yun traveled such a long distance to come here. He wouldn't be so bored as to create trouble for himself. Could it be that I can't see through his plans?"
Shi Mu Zhong hesitated for some time. It seemed like he had to investigate the situation on Lumen Shan first. Shi Mu Zhong then instructed, "Go back and find out more information about Lumen Shan. Be careful."
"Yes!" The man walked out as he was escorted by more than ten warriors. It seemed like he had quite a bit of authority.
Shi Mu Zhong then activated his communication talisman. The last time, it was too easy to find out more information. Young master Xie had already sent a spy, who was said to be from Free Cloud Sect.
Shi Mu Zhong activated the communication talisman as it glowed brightly. A man appeared on the other side of the talisman. His face was masked and Shi Mu Zhong looked at him and asked, "Do you know if there's anyone from Free Cloud Sect who has gone to the Southern Kingdom?"
The man within the talisman pondered for some time before replying, "Definitely not. Free Cloud Sect's influence doesn't even extend to the Southern Kingdom."
"However, twenty years ago, there was a man called Li Xianlian. It's said that he had the blood of the Southern Kingdom's Wang family. He couldn't become the Sect Leader and thus betrayed the sect. He then went to the Southern Kingdom."
"So that's how it is. Tell me more about the recent changes within Free Cloud Sect." Shi Mu Zhong paced back and forth, feeling that he shouldn't waste this opportunity as he asked.
The communication talisman consumed a lot of energy. The further one traveled, the more expensive it would be.
"Recently, senior brother Song Zhi has entered the Exponential Powers Cave to cultivate. He's trying to break through the gates of heaven. It seems like he's fighting with Pei Zi Yun for the Core Disciples. And within the sect …" The man listed out the details.
"Good, please be careful." Shi Mu Zhong said in satisfaction.
"Of course. I've been here for so many years, and nobody knew about me. Why would I reveal my identity?" As soon as he finished speaking, the talisman stopped.
Shi Mu Zhong paced back and forth as he pondered, "So there's such a connection? But Free Cloud Sect didn't chase after him all those years ago. Besides, he's already dead. "
"What's Pei Zi Yun doing here? Is he trying to ascertain if he's dead or alive? There's no need for Pei Zi Yun to come here personally. Could it be that he received guidance from someone? Could it be that there's a hidden treasure? "
Shi Mu Zhong paced back and forth as he thought of a plan. After sometime, he laughed, "No matter what, you've inherited the legacy of the sect. You've also made many enemies."
"Most people don't wish for the High Priest to return. It doesn't matter if there's a hidden treasure or not. Once I spread the news, people will be tempted and suspicious. When that happens, I'll be able to reap the benefits."
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
