Chapter 331: The Thing Called Hope

Although the first snowfall this year began in the Divine Capital, in reality, as winter approached, the heavy snow in the various counties of the North of the Great Liang was much heavier than in the Divine Capital. In fact, even before the establishment of Great Liang, the annual blizzards alone claimed countless lives.

The lives of the common people were difficult. Many times, it had nothing to do with oppression by cultivators or attacks by demons. The goodness or badness of officials, natural disasters, and man-made calamities could easily snatch away the people's hope of survival.

However, after the founding of Great Liang, this situation had improved somewhat. From the very beginning, the founding emperor paid attention to the livelihoods of the common people. By the time of Emperor Lingzong, the number of deaths due to northern blizzards each year had decreased significantly, and many officials were well-prepared almost every winter. The people's lives had already become much better.

Xuanling Commandery was the largest commandery in the North, situated in a precarious location between two high mountains. It had always been regarded by the Great Liang Dynasty as a crucial northern outpost. Almost every shipment of supplies to the Northern Frontier had to pass through this region. If they did not take this route, the journey would likely be three times longer, making it impractical for the Great Liang Dynasty.

Therefore, in Xuanling Commandery, the Great Liang Dynasty stationed fifty thousand elite soldiers year-round. Several cultivators were also assigned to the military, all with the purpose of guarding against demons scattered within the Great Liang's territory as well as the foreign cultivators.

The general stationed here was named Wei Feng, a favored disciple of the Northern Frontier's Great General. He had previously served on that Great Wall for over ten years. However, during a major battle, he suffered severe injuries inflicted by the demons, damaging his lungs. He developed a lingering illness and could no longer adapt to the northern climate. Consequently, he withdrew from the Northern Frontier Army and came to Xuanling Commandery as the commanding general. In reality, there were long-standing rumors in the military that General Wei Feng had been one of the young talents favored by the Northern Frontier's Great General several years ago. If all went well, after enduring a few more years on the Northern Frontier Great Wall and reaching the day when this young martial artist entered the Northern Frontier Army Realm, it was highly likely that he would take over the defense of the Northern Frontier, becoming the next Great General of the Northern Frontier.

Unfortunately, after this General Wei was seriously injured, he could only remain stuck in the Great Beyond Realm in this lifetime. There was no possibility of climbing any higher. Therefore, when he left the Northern Frontier Great Wall, he did not think too much. Instead, he left carefree.

However, being carefree at that time did not necessarily mean he had no thoughts in his heart. Over the years, this general became increasingly silent, likely for this reason.

Presently, Wei Feng was in his quarters, the stove illuminating his dark face. His once resolute eyes were looking at the flames in the stove at this moment. But for some unknown reason, it became somewhat lost.

With a gust of wind, a figure appeared behind this Xuanling Commandery's general. The arrival was a tall and thin middle-aged man dressed in loose daoist robes. However, he lacked an otherworldly aura. He stood behind Wei Feng and said with vicissitudes of emotion, "General Wei, still haven't made up your mind?"

Wei Feng did not turn around; he just reached out with his bare hands to adjust the burning charcoal in the stove. As a martial artist, even if he had not stepped into the Nepenthe Realm, Wei Feng was not afraid of the temperature of the burning charcoal. When he touched the red-hot charcoal, the moisture on Wei Feng's palm evaporated, making a sizzling sound.

Unmoved, Wei Feng released the charcoal and said, "There's nothing to discuss. Although I, Wei Feng, am just a martial artist, I still know what should be done and what should not be done."

The man smiled, seemingly unconcerned. "General Wei, you truly have a deep and loyal heart for the Great Liang Dynasty. But has the Great Liang Dynasty truly cared about it?"

Wei Feng remained silent, as if he did not hear.

The man continued, "That Great General in the Northern Frontier doesn't seem to have many days left to live. General Wei, you've already been stuck in the Great General Realm for a long time, right? Who do you think the imperial court will choose as the successor after that Great General passes away? Is there no one in mind?"

As the man asked more questions, Wei Feng's brows could not help but furrow.

Still, he did not speak.

How things were in the Northern Frontier, who would succeed the Great General, he was naturally concerned about these things. However, it was just concern, beyond that, there was nothing more he could do. Burdened by long-standing ailments, he had given up hope of reaching the Nepenthe Realm. Even if he wanted to guard the Northern Frontier for the people of Great Liang, it was simply beyond his capability.

Since there was no hope, why bother dwelling on it?

Facing Wei Feng's silence, the man did not mind. He simply extended his hand and smiled. "General Wei, what if I could cure your old ailments?"

This statement seemed light and airy, like the snowflakes falling in the cold winter. However, when Wei Feng heard it, he suddenly turned around, fixing his gaze on the man before him. "What did you say?"

A powerful qi surged from his body at the same time he said this sentence. Having reached the Great Beyond Realm many years ago, if not for his old ailments, he might have stepped into the Nepenthe Realm long ago. Now, this imposing aura demonstrated his might.

Feeling the pressure from Wei Feng, the man remained unperturbed and said calmly, "Whether it's the Heavenly Imperial Institution or the Ministry of Works in your Great Liang Dynasty, they are merely trash to us. When it comes to alchemy, how can you martial artists understand its mysteries? As for General's old ailments, it only requires searching for quality spirit medicines to refine medicinal pills. Once General takes it, your injuries will be fully healed. Given General's aptitude, you might even step into the Nepenthe Realm, and as for the conflict in the Northern Frontier, we can lend our assistance too. The position of the Northern Frontier Grand General might very well be within General's grasp."

Wei Feng did not hear the latter part of those words. He became entranced after the mention of the medicinal pill. For so many years, not a day went by without him yearning for the recovery of his injuries. Despite his countless efforts and endeavors, the results turned out contrary to his expectations. Eventually, he gave up hope on this matter. However, even so, the ember hidden in his heart was impossible to extinguish. All it needed was a spark, and it was destined to burn again.

"How does this general know you're not deceiving me?"

Wei Feng stared intently at the man before him. If he could not get the answer he sought, Wei Feng might not hesitate to tear him apart.

At such close proximity, even if the other party's cultivation realm was equal to his, he probably could not withstand Wei Feng's full-powered strike.

The man did not reply, he simply took out a small pillbox and tossed it directly to Wei Feng, saying, "The medicinal pill is here, long prepared for General Wei. Want to give it a taste, General Wei?"

Wei Feng caught the pillbox thrown in front of him but did not open it yet. The fragrance of the medicine inside wafted towards him, and his internal organs felt extremely comfortable. Especially his lungs, they seemed to be well-nourished at this moment, leaving him without any discomfort at all.

"General may take it and see the effect."

The man reminded with a gentle smile.

Wei Feng glanced at the man. Although he was still somewhat hesitant, the palpitations in his heart ultimately could not be suppressed. He opened the pillbox and took out the fragrant medicinal pill, swallowing it. The instant he ate it, Wei Feng thought about many things. He even considered the possibility that the pill he just took was poison, and after taking it, this man would use it to coerce him. However, if that were the case, Wei Feng would be completely indifferent to his demands and face death calmly.

However, after taking it, besides feeling a refreshing sensation within his body, he had no other special feelings. The dull pain in his lungs had also reduced considerably.

This medicinal pill was indeed effective for his injuries.

The man looked at Wei Feng and said, "There are a total of three pills. After taking them, General's injuries will be completely healed. Now, I gave one to General first. After completing that major mission, I'll naturally offer up the remaining two pills with both hands."

Wei Feng shook his head and said calmly, "Is it really possible to commit regicide as a subject?"

"No need for General to personally take action. What General needs to do is actually very simple, which is to do nothing."

The man looked at Wei Feng and said softly, "Without this emperor, the Great Liang Dynasty wouldn't collapse, it would still remain the same Great Liang Dynasty. If General does nothing, then nothing will happen. When the new monarch ascends to the throne, General will remain the same. You might even advance a step further after returning to the Northern Frontier, becoming an indispensable figure in the Great Liang Dynasty. What's wrong with that?"

Wei Feng remained silent. As a martial artist with a military background, he had always harbored great respect for the Great Liang Emperor. In the past decade, the support of the Great Liang Dynasty for the Northern Frontier was visible to the naked eye. All the common people around the world could criticize the Great Liang Emperor, but only the soldiers of the Northern Frontier could not say a single bad word about the Great Liang Emperor.

Especially when the Great Liang Emperor ventured deep into the thirty thousand miles of desolate north and then returned, Wei Feng's admiration for him had already reached its peak.

However, admiring the Great Liang Emperor was one thing, and the current choice was another.

Wei Feng frowned slightly, feeling conflicted. Perhaps, apart from himself, no one would understand the sensation of hope reigniting.

The dilemma of choosing whether to erase that hope, and continue to sink into despair, or choosing to do something he did not want to do for the sake of hope.

This was a difficult choice to make.

"General, once certain opportunities are missed, they will surely become lifelong regrets."

......

......

As night fell, heavy snow descended.

In a residence near the city gate of Xuanling Commandery.

Amidst the harsh winter in the twelfth lunar month, only a single lamp illuminated a house.

Several figures were faintly discernible.

One of them spoke, "How did things go?"

Another person responded calmly, "In this world, everyone has desires. Provide him with what he wants, and how can he refuse?"

"The so-called loyalty and beliefs are actually not worth mentioning at all. As long as you offer something irresistible, everything can be accomplished."

A figure enveloped the solitary lamp, saying indifferently, "There's one more day. To these people, it will be New Year's Eve. After New Year's Eve, a new year begins. In the new year, I don't want to see him anymore."