Li Xianzhong continued, "When the Prince summoned me, the first thing he said was that the first task upon his enthronement would be to restore the reputation of the Young Protector Yue." Wang Chongyang couldn't help but tap the coffee table and exclaimed, "Exquisite!" Li Xianzhong nodded with a smile. "The Prince then discussed how to follow up the victory and launch the Northern Expedition. Besides the regular army formations, we also need to recruit martial arts practitioners to form a special force to assist in special events." Yu Yunwen saw Wang Chongyang leaning forward, appearing very eager, and said happily, "This was suggested by the Chief Protector Xiao of the Jing Tian Sect when he provided information about Shaanxi to Lin'an. The Prince found it feasible and has begun preparations, currently inviting the Xiao Qing Sect, which has resisted the pseudo-Liu Qi for three generations, and the Wei Wu Alliance, which your brother is familiar with."
What Chief Protector from the Jing Tian Sect? Wang Chongyang was taken aback and asked, "Is it Xiao Ziru? Then what about Master Shi?" Yu Yunwen replied, "Yes, it is Xiao Ziru. Wei Geng joined my staff as an advisor, and Wu Wanhu succeeded him as the leader of the Yang Wu Gang, so naturally, they are involved. Brother Wang, we have come to invite you to participate."
Wang Chongyang sighed inwardly, cupped his fists in salute, and said, "I am deeply grateful for your high regard, Official. However, I have been engrossed in my cultivation for the past month, dealing with a martial world incident, and I am unable to disengage..." Li Xianzhong interjected with displeasure, "How can personal grudges compare to the restoration of our land? My dear brother, your priorities are truly muddled."
Wang Chongyang smiled wryly and said, "It's just that I am involved in the martial world. It's truly difficult for me to participate in organizing this force, but I may be able to offer my assistance in individual matters in the future. Please understand!" With that, he rose from his seat and bowed again. Li Xianzhong was about to erupt, but Yu Yunwen quickly intervened, "We will be staying in Jingkou for a few more days and are currently stationed at the naval camp by the river. If your situation allows, Brother Wang, please send word. The Northern Expedition urgently requires individuals of your caliber and reputation to fulfill the late Marshal Yue's regrets." Without waiting for Wang Chongyang to see him off, Li Xianzhong headed directly for the gate. Wang Chongyang understood that his anger stemmed from his refusal to serve the greater good, but seeing himself as an obstacle to their "greater good," how could he be at ease?
Hou Jianglian did not understand why the two parties parted on bad terms. Seeing Wang Chongyang shut himself in his chambers all day, refusing even to share wine under the moonlight, he brought a few small dishes and red yeast wine to his room to help alleviate his melancholy. Noticing that he hadn't touched the food but was drinking one bowl after another, Hou Jianglian thought, "Let him get thoroughly drunk."
Let the bright red yeast wine be like the blood of the Xiongnu, drunk to momentarily appease the unfulfilled desire to kill enemies. The sacrifices made were purely for the recovery of land and the protection of the people; why such a reward? Even if I became a useless item, ill-suited to the times, I would not allow myself to be trampled upon! Suddenly, with a "crackling" sound of shattering, a faint aroma of hair wafted out... In an instant, the suppressed, manipulated, and defeated depression in his chest cleared, and peace returned to his surroundings.
"Brother Shixiong, 'Zhongli Sword' has arrived with a man and a woman."
Wang Chongyang was awakened by Hou Jianglian outside the door when the sun was already high in the sky. Wang Chongyang asked him to entertain them in the reception hall, saying he would join them after washing up. After Hou Jianglian acknowledged and left, Wang Chongyang took a deep breath. The fragrance of her hair was gone. He thought it was a drunken hallucination, but his mood had lightened considerably.
Wang Chongyang arrived at the reception hall and saw Xiao Ziru and Wan Xilan, in addition to Meng Han Guang. Yu Yunwen had summoned Meng Han Guang as soon as he reached the military camp. Meng Han Guang represented Sun Bole, who was absent from the meeting due to his busy schedule, and discussed matters with Xiao Ziru and Wan Xilan in the camp. Yu Yunwen mentioned that Wang Chongyang was caught in martial world disputes and hoped the three of them would use their influence to help him resolve his "martial world affairs in the martial world." Xiao Ziru agreed first, and then Meng and Wan also had to concur.
Xiao Ziru stated the purpose of their visit and said with concern to Wang Chongyang, "Brother Shixiong, the Grand Commissioner is very worried about this. Whatever troubles you, feel free to speak openly, so we can all discuss it." This was actually a pretense from yesterday, and with his mind still hazy from the hangover, Wang Chongyang was momentarily speechless. Xiao Ziru continued, "Brother Shixiong, you are upright and a model of chivalry. Who is it that is ungrateful and has offended you?" Wang Chongyang wanted to use the excuse of private matters but felt it was inappropriate, so he pursed his lips in silence, waiting for an opportunity to feign illness and retreat.
Wan Xilan smiled charmingly and said, "To ask and not answer, does Master Wang look down on us? Are you insignificant and have little influence in the martial world?" Wang Chongyang quickly replied, "Not at all, not at all..." Wan Xilan's eyes also sparkled with amusement. "Or is it because you are not from the Songtu Sect that Master Wang is so concerned? Ah... in the Duke of the Founding period's mansion..."
Meng Han Guang suddenly asked with great seriousness, "Could it be about those twin brothers from the Western Regions again?"
He is truly skilled and daring! Xiao Ziru's heart trembled. Even though he was in Jingxiang, he knew of the "White Robes Unassailable" group. Their actions had been ruthless over the past decade, especially the snake-controlling and poison-using methods of the two brothers. The elder brother's "third leg," like a scorpion's stinger, would either kill those it struck with its invisible attack or make them incurable with its potent poison. He judged that even with his newly accomplished divine skills, it would be wiser to avoid them and conserve his strength.
Wan Xilan's smile froze, and she asked with doubt, "Master Wang has been in the southeast for a long time. How did you get involved with such venomous creatures?" Wang Chongyang sighed deeply, and Meng Han Guang answered on his behalf, saying, "The grudges formed during the Qinling Alliance are best left to you to not get involved. Brother, let's move to another place. I'll see if I can find a way to resolve it." Xiao and Wan said nothing.
Meng Han Guang followed Wang Chongyang back to his chambers. After closing the door, he quietly asked, "Is it for that Lin... Lady?" Wang Chongyang felt as if he had fallen into another pit after climbing out of one and was unwilling to reveal his thoughts, so he pursed his lips in silence again. Meng Han Guang paced restlessly around the room for a few rounds, then returned to his side, suppressing his anger. "We worked so hard for half our lives and finally awaited a change of dynasty. The new Emperor agreed to the Northern Expedition. My brothers will charge into battle side by side, 'devouring barbarian flesh and drinking Xiongnu blood' – that was our dream back then!" Meng Han Guang's voice choked with emotion, but seeing Wang Chongyang unmoved, he pointed at him agitatedly and cursed, "You... retreating from the battle!" With that, he turned and headed for the door.
Did you not see how Xiao Ziru and the other two were feigning their intentions towards me just now? If they were to infiltrate the Yang Wu Gang, what good things could they organize? Wang Chongyang called him back and said, "I already made it clear to the Grand Commissioner yesterday. Although I will not participate in the organization, I will definitely provide full assistance if needed during the operations."
Meng Han Guang said, "These are two different matters. Alas, if that demoness were here, she would not wish to see your ambitions unfulfilled and your life filled with regret. I have said all I can. I implore Brother to reconsider and not let this opportunity slip away. As for Chief Protector Xiao, I will help you cover up."
After Meng Han Guang and the others left, Wang Chongyang decided to pack his belongings immediately and return to the Tomb of the Living Dead. He suddenly recalled the little details of everyone searching for land, designing, and even building this anti-Jin base. Despite all the hardships, dangers, and even accidental sacrifices, everyone's heart was filled with hope and enthusiasm at that time. Time is not on my side! Wang Chongyang picked up his bundle and ambled towards the stone path of Guanmen. In his mind, fragmented memories surged: his initial plea to the late master to accept him as an exception, his explanation for abandoning literature and practicing martial arts, and his discussions on how to resist foreign invasion; the scene of brothers swearing oaths and stating their aspirations at the Qinling Alliance; the first battle of the righteous army, the rescue of the Jin dynasty civilians in Jingzhao Prefecture from the bullying of the Jin barbarians, which resulted in heavy casualties, and instead being accused by the appeasers in the court of provocation across borders, and their mutual encouragement amidst the setbacks... Looking up, the setting sun was like the dying embers of a stove. Was it really going to be extinguished?
Suddenly, he sensed someone approaching rapidly. Wang Chongyang instinctively turned to be on guard, and upon recognizing Liang Xuan, saw him gesticulating wildly. Amidst his confusion, a faint smile inexplicably bloomed.
Shouts of "Righteous Warrior Wang" rang out. Deng Ying, Zhou Bian, and others arrived in succession... even Bu Lin was among them. Ye Wen said, "Brother ordered me to bring the delicious food and wine made by sister-in-law."
Wang Chongyang felt warmth from their attitude and joyfully asked, "Aren't you all stationed at Caishi Cliff?" Deng Ying replied, "In late November, we were transferred to the Grand Commissioner's personal guards and accompanied him to Lin'an to meet the Emperor. It is only now that we have the opportunity to visit." Wang Chongyang immediately guessed their purpose and asked, "What is the reason for your arrival?" Zhou Bian, hearing his tone suddenly turn cold, couldn't help but look towards Deng Ying and Gao Jue. Gao Jue said, "We have come of our own accord to implore Righteous Warrior to agree to come out of seclusion and participate in the great cause of the Northern Expedition." Zhou Bian added, "Although it has not been long since Righteous Warrior taught us, we have benefited greatly, and we hope to have another opportunity to follow you." Deng Xuan continued, "We are merely upholding Righteous Warrior's teachings of 'No righteous person is avoided, no difficulty is shirked.' The Northern Expedition is a great national endeavor. We implore Righteous Warrior to agree to fight alongside us against the enemy!" Liang Xuan nodded continuously beside him, expressing his thoughts. Bu Lin stated, "I came with everyone not to blindly join the fun, but to contribute to the Northern Expedition. I greatly admire and deeply believe in Righteous Warrior Wang's great ability and wisdom, which are indispensable for the Northern Expedition!"
Their words touched Wang Chongyang, and he felt greatly troubled, only able to say, "I am very grateful for everyone's kindness! I have already stated clearly that I am going on a long journey and cannot participate, but if there are difficulties, I will certainly assist. My decision is made; there is no need for further discussion." To ease the atmosphere, he added, "Since we have the chance to reunite tonight, let's drink and talk freely." Ye Wen suddenly asked, "Did Righteous Warrior promise my brother, 'I am grateful for your words and will repay you in the future'?" Wang Chongyang was speechless. Ye Wen and the others knelt down, saying, "We implore Righteous Warrior to save the suffering people in the enemy territory, to prevent their torment, to participate in the Northern Expedition, and to expel the Jin barbarians!" For the sake of the promise made back then and the vow made today, Wang Chongyang could only nod his head.
Just then, he heard a faint sigh. Ah! It was her! Wang Chongyang followed the sound and quickly flew over. While everyone was cheering and thanking them, they saw Wang Chongyang drop his bundle and leap over the wall, rushing out, leaving them in stunned confusion.