A few days after the two had reached an agreement, something else happened to the other warlords.
Perhaps there was some conflict of interest between them, as the two factions openly clashed on the street. The others were not to be outdone, and before long, the entire city of Haicheng was in chaos.
Su Xingchen received the news and rushed into the room.
"What, have you forgotten the rules you've been learning these past few days? Not even knocking on the door," Feng Nianxing frowned, clearly displeased.
Su Xingchen's face was filled with anxiety, and his tone carried anger. "What time is it? Still talking about rules. Something so big has happened in Haicheng, you can't possibly not know, yet you're still standing here foolishly?"
"What, do you want us to join in?" Xing Yuan chuckled lightly, her face showing no hint of anxiety.
Su Xingchen paused, then his reason returned somewhat, making him feel that his attitude had indeed been poor just now.
He said somewhat awkwardly, "I didn't mean that. It's just that now, perhaps only you can help. I simply cannot bear to see Haicheng being ruined like this by others."
"Why should we help? In other words, if they fight, we are the beneficiaries," Xing Yuan raised an eyebrow, casually glancing at this elder brother who was full of righteousness.
"You..." Su Xingchen's eyes blazed with anger. "Even if they deserve it, the ordinary people of Haicheng are innocent. They shouldn't suffer this undeserved disaster."
"Innocent? There's something I might need to remind you of. Our base camp isn't here. I'll ask you one question, and if you can give me a perfect answer, I will act and satisfy your hot-blooded heart."
"What condition?" Su Xingchen quickly asked.
"Simple, just tell me how we can defeat them," Xing Yuan said coldly.
Su Xingchen's expression stiffened. They hadn't deliberately hidden anything from him these past few days. He probably knew how many people they had brought this time. In terms of numbers alone, one or two warlords wouldn't be a problem, but with so many, it was likely impossible.
Xing Yuan looked at Su Xingchen's stiff expression, her eyes filled with mockery. "What, have you thought it through? If so, then go back obediently! You don't need to interfere in this matter."
"But... we should at least help evacuate those civilians."
"Someone has already done that. By the time you remember, Haicheng's people will probably all be dead," Xing Yuan sneered. It seemed he had learned too little during this time. The training intensity would have to be increased in the future.
Su Xingchen left dejectedly.
"Achen, what are you doing?" Feng Nianxing's expression was displeased. They were siblings, after all. How could they have become like this?
"Uncle Feng, he's not a child anymore. We don't have extra time for him to grow slowly. After he sees more of this, he'll know what to do in the future. I cannot use other people's lives to pay for his hot-bloodedness," Xing Yuan said coldly. She didn't like this guy at all right now.
Seeing that Feng Nianxing still wanted to say something, Xing Yuan quickly said, "Alright, go and have people pack up. We're preparing to set off back. I've already spoken to Qi Wen."
"Now that they are fighting endlessly over Haicheng, it's a good opportunity for us. It will be difficult for us to succeed once they recover."
"Yes. I'll give the order immediately," Feng Nianxing said with a stern and solemn expression.
After Feng Nianxing left, Xing Yuan quickly went to find Fang Xiyue.
With the war outside, Ruoxi Pavilion naturally couldn't stay open. Xing Yuan had been busy with Qi Wen making detailed plans, so she had visited Fang Xiyue less often.
Therefore, as soon as they met, Fang Xiyue pulled her over to check on her.
Fang Xiyue let out a sigh of relief. "It's not peaceful outside right now. You should stay home more. Come back in a while."
Haicheng had always had minor skirmishes, and the people who lived here were already accustomed to them. It was nothing more than finding a place to hide for a while.
"Sister, I'm here this time to discuss something important with you."
"This is different from usual. The ones fighting recently are all very powerful warlords. They probably won't stop fighting anytime soon. So, we're planning to go back. Why don't you come with us?"
Fang Xiyue was stunned, then looked at Xing Yuan's serious expression with some hesitation.
"But... we've lived here for so many years, how can we just leave?" Fang Yumo said with disagreement.
"Senior Brother, the world has changed. If the fighting continues like this, how long do you think the remaining grain at home will last?"
Seeing Fang Yumo's expression soften, Xing Yuan pressed on, "I believe I have some standing in Xingyu City. If you all are willing, I can build another Ruoxi Pavilion there for you."
"In times of chaos, of course, preserving one's life is more important."
"Alright!" Fang Yumo gritted his teeth and made the decision.
She had a point. These things couldn't be brought with you when you die, nor taken with you. If he were alone, he could take a gamble. But he had so many junior brothers and sisters to look after. He couldn't gamble with their lives.
Xing Yuan's eyes lit up with joy. Fearing he might go back on his word, she quickly said, "Then it's settled. Pack your things these next two days, bring only light items, and I'll come to pick you up the day after tomorrow."
"Okay! Don't worry!" Fang Yumo nodded.
Fang Xiyue nervously grabbed Xing Yuan's sleeve and pulled her aside. "You be careful too. Stay home if you have nothing else to do. They won't randomly break into people's homes yet."
"Don't worry!" Xing Yuan felt happy being cared for by her sister.
Xing Yuan leaned forward slowly, coaxing, "Why don't you come back with me, Sister? Look at me, I'll definitely be very well-behaved."
"No! We're not married yet, we can't live together," Fang Xiyue took two steps back and flatly refused. She was a very traditional woman and would not casually live with someone before marriage.
"Alright! Then I'll leave first. I have to deal with leaving matters these next two days, so I probably won't be able to visit you," Xing Yuan said with reluctance, gently nuzzling Fang Xiyue's forehead.
"Okay, I know. Hurry and go," Fang Xiyue, embarrassed by so many people watching, quickly pushed Xing Yuan away.
Xing Yuan no longer teased her and turned to leave.
On the way back, she encountered a few impudent individuals who tried to rob her. Xing Yuan calmly pointed her gun at them, and they turned and fled.
"Oh my god! This is our first time out doing bad deeds, and we've run into such a tough opponent. What kind of bad luck did we have to be so 'fortunate'!"