Chapter 175: The Situation in Feng Kingdom

A team of cultivators from Jin Yun Valley was ambushed by enemy cultivators while exploring within the borders of Feng Kingdom.

The ambushers outnumbered the Jin Yun Valley team three to one, and the leader of the ambush was a late-stage Foundation Establishment great cultivator.

At that time, nearly the entire team of several dozen cultivators was surrounded and annihilated, and the three Foundation Establishment cultivators who led the team, none of them returned.

Lin Lu, unfortunately, was in that team of cultivators.

In her letter, Zhao Siyao described the situation: Lin Lu did not die immediately. He barely managed to break through the encirclement using a high-quality escape talisman, but he was relentlessly pursued by the late-stage Foundation Establishment great cultivator.

After that battle, Lin Lu never returned and disappeared from the Feng Kingdom battlefield.

Zhang Tieshan searched and inquired many times afterward, but there was no trace of him.

Lan Chang'an sighed inwardly, knowing that in such situations, the chances of survival were slim.

A cultivator of average strength in the mid-stage Foundation Establishment, trapped deep within enemy territory during a cultivation war and being hunted down, would likely never return if they hadn't made it back soon after the encounter.

On a personal level, Lan Chang'an felt regret, and even a touch of sorrow.

After all, Lin Lu had been a respectful junior for many years.

But from a neutral perspective, or from the viewpoint of the Feng Kingdom cultivators, this event wasn't deserving of sympathy.

After all, Lin Lu and the sect from the Liang Kingdom to which he belonged were the invaders.

"I wonder what the current situation on the Feng Kingdom battlefield is like?" Lan Chang'an pondered.

He had always kept a close eye on the broader situation in the cultivation world.

Even if Zhao Siyao knew specific details about the battlefield, it wouldn't be appropriate for her to reveal them in a letter.

At the end of the letter, Zhao Siyao mentioned that she couldn't leave her sect easily and hoped that Lan Chang'an could visit Jin Yun Valley.

Lan Chang'an inferred from this that Zhao Siyao was likely on the list for the second wave of sect expeditions and had entered the "locked" state of war preparation, making it difficult for her to leave Jin Yun Valley freely.

As a female cultivator friend whom he had known for over a hundred years, Lan Chang'an inevitably felt some concern for this ally.

In a cultivation war, one's survival depended not only on strength but also on the broader situation on the battlefield and a good measure of luck.

...

The day after receiving the letter, Lan Chang'an discreetly left Wuqi Mountain and flew towards the western part of the Liang Kingdom.

Seven or eight days later, Lan Chang'an, riding a streak of green light, arrived at the gates of Jin Yun Valley.

Compared to before, the atmosphere in Jin Yun Valley was heavier, and most of the sect cultivators coming and going seemed to carry a sense of urgency.

After being informed of his arrival, Zhao Siyao came out from the mountain gate to greet him.

The mountain wind stirred her white dress, accentuating her graceful and elegant figure.

Zhao Siyao looked to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. She wore a phoenix hairpin, and her features were as delicate as a painting, exuding a refined and ethereal beauty.

She appeared even more elegant and composed than she had in past years, or even when she had first entered the Foundation Establishment stage.

"Fellow Daoist Lan, you've come."

"Fellow Daoist Zhao."

The two exchanged a glance and a smile, nodding without engaging in excessive small talk or formalities.

Lan Chang'an and Zhao Siyao flew side by side, entering the latter's cave dwelling.

In the center of the cave was a lotus pond, its fragrance permeating the air, with pavilions and terraces connected around it.

"Fellow Daoist Lan, this time I have to thank you for coming over."

Zhao Siyao dismissed her servants with grace and brewed a pot of spiritual tea for Lan Chang'an using the mountain spring water that flowed through her cave.

After chatting idly for a while, the conversation naturally turned to the regrettable news of Lin Lu's entrapment in the Feng Kingdom battlefield.

From the information available, Lin Lu's chances of survival were slim.

Even if by some miracle he survived, he was likely captured, and his fate would not be favorable.

...

Afterward, Lan Chang'an got straight to the point, asking about the current situation in the Feng Kingdom battlefield.

Zhao Siyao pondered for a moment and then said, "Two years ago, the sects of Liang Kingdom rallied various forces. The first wave of cultivator armies invaded Feng Kingdom from the rear, moving from south to north. In the early stages of the war, Feng Kingdom was fighting on two fronts and struggled to respond. The cultivation forces in the rear were repeatedly defeated..."

The early part of her account was common knowledge among those who followed the battlefield.

Liang Kingdom's initial campaign was relatively successful, capturing immortal cities and spiritual fields, and seizing many resources.

A series of victories boosted the morale of the people.

"However, the Feng Kingdom is vast, with many cultivation forces, and its foundations far exceed those of the Liang Kingdom. As the first wave of cultivator armies penetrated deeper into the Feng Kingdom, they encountered significant resistance.

"If the enemy's cultivation forces couldn't win in a direct confrontation, they adopted a scorched-earth strategy. Liang Kingdom's armies often found themselves attacked from the rear, ambushed, or had their supply points targeted by cultivators..."

Zhao Siyao's voice was clear and pleasant, but her tone grew more serious.

"When a small country invades a large country, there is also a disparity in the foundations of their cultivation civilizations."

Lan Chang'an thought to himself, not surprised by the current situation.

Feng Kingdom's territory was much larger than both Yan and Liang combined.

Its strategic depth was vast.

Its heritage and the advantage of fighting on home soil were all in Feng Kingdom's favor.

In addition to the existing three Nascent Soul-level forces, the Feng Kingdom had many other powerful sects, and the strength of its cultivation families far exceeded that of the Liang Kingdom.

"Has the Nascent Soul True Monarch from Flame Departing Palace taken action?" Lan Chang'an asked.

The few remaining Nascent Soul cultivators in Feng Kingdom were being restrained by Chu Tianfeng from the frontlines and the Nascent Soul True Monarchs of Chen Kingdom, making them unlikely to intervene directly in the war.

"It's said that the True Monarch took action once, capturing an important immortal city. However, due to certain concerns, they have not intervened in the war directly since." Zhao Siyao replied.

"Certain concerns?" Lan Chang'an's face showed a trace of doubt.

The only thing that could cause a Nascent Soul True Monarch to have concerns would be a threat from an equivalent power.

Feng Kingdom could not afford to deploy a Nascent Soul cultivator for too long on the frontlines to counter the invasion from Liang Kingdom's sects. Otherwise, an early stage Nascent Soul who was left alone for a long period of time might be sneak attacked by Chu Tianfeng, and even if they were only seriously injured, it would have a great impact on the overall situation.

"There are rumors that this matter is related to the sword cultivator from Feng Kingdom's 'Blood Sword Valley' who had his physical body destroyed and fled with his Nascent Soul."

Zhao Siyao didn't look too sure, as this was based on unverified rumors.

Blood Sword Valley, located in a slightly remote area of Feng Kingdom, had once been attacked by Chu Tianfeng of Yan Kingdom in collaboration with sects from Chen Kingdom.

"The sword cultivator from Blood Sword Valley was once the number one Nascent Soul in Feng Kingdom, the most powerful. When Chu Tianfeng, who was in the mid-Nascent Soul stage, attacked, this person even took the initiative to confront him, causing Chu Tianfeng to suffer some injuries."

"That sword cultivator's Nascent Soul fled and is rumored to be hiding behind the scenes, commanding the remnants of Blood Sword Valley. Blood Sword Valley has received support from the other two Nascent Soul sects, and they are lurking and defending in the southern part of Feng Kingdom."

Upon hearing this, Lan Chang'an gained a clearer understanding of the frontline situation.

The Blood Sword Valley leader, whose Nascent Soul had escaped, was clearly not an ordinary early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

If his sect had a late-Core Formation cultivator who cultivated a similar technique, the Nascent Soul could potentially take over that body. There would be no need to clash head-on with the Nascent Soul True Monarch from Flame Departing Palace; instead, they could launch surprise attacks, which would be devastating for anyone below the Nascent Soul Realm.

With this Nascent Soul True Monarch orchestrating things behind the scenes, Feng Kingdom's response to Liang Kingdom's invasion strategy was significantly bolstered.

There was even a possibility that the Blood Sword Valley sword cultivator had reached some sort of tacit understanding with the Nascent Soul True Monarch of Flame Departing Palace, limiting how and when they would act against each other.

"Overall, the sects from the Liang Kingdom are still on the offensive, but the situation is no longer as favorable."

...

After discussing the neighboring country's battlefield, Zhao Siyao mentioned her own situation.

She was part of the second batch of sect cultivators dispatched, holding a higher rank due to her late-stage Foundation Establishment status, with responsibilities greater than those of Lin Lu.

In invading a neighboring country, both opportunities and risks coexisted.

From the initial phase of the expedition, opportunities clearly outweighed dangers. At the very least, the Liang Kingdom suffered fewer casualties than the Feng Kingdom.

Some of the invading Liang Kingdom cultivators had acquired resources and wealth that would have taken them several lifetimes to accumulate.

This included the inheritance techniques and treasured artifacts of some factions, as well as the personal fortunes and secrets of individual cultivators.

During the war, the number of cultivators breaking through bottlenecks increased by several folds compared to normal times.

The prerequisite for all of this was to survive. Like Zhang Tieshan, Zhao Siyao also had a strong demand for high-quality war supplies.

"To purchase Fellow Daoist Lan's high-quality talismans and puppets, Siyao has saved up spirit stones for several years, including reserves meant for Core Formation." Zhao Siyao's clear, bright eyes held a hint of expectation.

Over the past century, every time she obtained talismans or puppets from Lan Chang'an at key junctures, they exceeded her expectations and proved quite useful.

"Well, let's see how well-prepared Fellow Daoist Zhao is." Lan Chang'an smiled slightly. He trusted Zhao Siyao a little more and could display some strategic materials that exceeded the standard.

During the ensuing transaction, Zhao Siyao lamented that she didn't have enough spirit stones.

Lan Chang'an offered only high-quality talismans, including top-grade second-rank ones and even quasi-third-grade talismans.

Some of these talismans had unique abilities and were extremely rare on the market.

In terms of puppets, he presented a second-rank superior puppet, capable of restraining a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator at a critical moment.

Despite having saved spirit stones for many years, Zhao Siyao still had less than Zhang Tieshan.

After much difficult deliberation, she bought some top-grade second-rank talismans.

She could only afford one quasi-third-grade talisman.

As for the late second-rank puppet, it was beyond her budget.

"This turtle puppet is a second-rank superior quality but considered a defective product, only its defensive capabilities are fully at the late second-rank level. If Fellow Daoist Zhao needs it, I can sell it at a relatively low price." Lan Chang'an offered.

When he had been trying to become a second-rank superior puppet master, he had created a failed turtle puppet with a strong defense.

Lan Chang'an offered a price just slightly higher than that of an ordinary second-rank middle-grade puppet.

Zhao Siyao was very tempted. After much hesitation, she scraped together enough resources, using some pills and materials to make up the difference, and bought the turtle puppet.

She sighed, saying, "Perhaps I'm destined to have a connection with turtles."

"Back in the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm, that turtle puppet performed excellently in a critical moment, and after being repaired by fellow Daoist Lan, I gave it to Tan'er to use some years ago."

Lan Chang'an joked, "My turtle puppet here is cheap and durable, it just doesn't match Fairy Zhao's temperament."

"There's nothing wrong with turtles, it's good to live a long life and survive." Zhao Siyao smiled, her clear and lively eyes looking at Lan Chang'an with a soft, seemingly a little envious gaze.

Lan Chang'an's heart skipped a beat, almost thinking she had seen through some of his secrets.

"In addition to purchasing war supplies, there is one more thing Siyao would like to ask for."

Zhao Siyao suddenly stood up, her expression solemn, and made a full bow.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, there's no need for this. Please speak freely."

Lan Chang'an also stood, gently lifting Fairy Zhao's delicate hand with a light touch.

"At our age, we no longer have any close relatives in this world. After I leave this time, I cannot guarantee that I will return from this expedition. My only concern is my personal disciple, Tan'er.

"Fellow Daoist Lan acts steadily and has insights into the affairs of the cultivation world. If I do not return, I hope you can take care of Zhao Tan'er and offer her some guidance." Zhao Siyao said, seemingly making preparations for her own death.

"I will do as you ask. I'm sure that heaven will favor the virtuous, and it won't come to that." Lan Chang'an nodded.

Judging from the current situation, the death rate among sect members in the expedition wasn't particularly high; it was just that the frontlines were short on personnel.

But war is merciless and unpredictable. Even Core Formation cultivators couldn't guarantee their return.

Zhao Siyao's early instructions were a rational precaution.

...

After discussing the important matters, the two chatted for another half-day, until evening.

With a century of cultivation experience, there was much to reminisce about.

Especially since this might be the last time they would speak, both cherished the moment even more.

During their conversation, their gazes occasionally met, warm and in harmony, sometimes sharing a smile without words.

As the sky darkened.

Zhao Siyao showed no intention of bidding farewell, but Lan Chang'an sensibly stood to take his leave.

Zhao Siyao let out a soft "hmmm" to acknowledge his departure, watching the youthful and ageless man in white without offering the usual pleasantries to make him stay.

She escorted Lan Chang'an to the entrance of her cave.

In the dim evening light.

Lan Chang'an turned back and saw her standing there in her elegant, cool, and graceful white dress, watching him quietly, silently seeing him off.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, I wish you smooth sailing in Feng Kingdom and success in acquiring the Core Formation resources. When you return, we'll drink and celebrate together."

Lan Chang'an waved goodbye and soared into the night sky.

...

After leaving Jin Yun Valley.

As Lan Chang'an flew through the air, he reflected on their earlier conversation, a thoughtful expression on his face.

In terms of emotions, Zhao Siyao was quite similar to him and even more reserved.

"That treasure talisman, I hope you never have to use it on the battlefield." Lan Chang'an murmured to himself.

Unbeknownst to her, he had secretly left a treasure talisman in the spirit stone compartment of the turtle puppet he sold to Zhao Siyao.

Zhao Siyao was the only cultivator in this world to receive such a gift from him.

(End of chapter)