“Why must it be repeated?” The middle-aged man, with a face full of confusion, saw the rank insignia of Major on Jitianqing’s uniform and immediately became haughty. He rebuked, “And who might you be? A mere Major, what right do you have to speak here? Which legion are you from? I will report this to Earl Zion, and your legion commander will give you a severe reprimand!”
“Alright then! If you have the guts, go ahead. I am from the 17th Imperial Legion, my name is Li Kuanglan. Remember it well. But don’t forget to come, or you’ll only disgrace Earl Zion even more!” Jitianqing spoke so quickly that Qian Ye barely had time to stop her from blurting out a lot.
The middle-aged man trembled with anger, pointing at Jitianqing, “Very well, very well, Li Kuanglan! For the sake of General Qian Ye, I will let this slide for now. We shall see in the future!”
“Fine, I’m waiting for it!” Jitianqing shouted while hopping up and down.
The middle-aged man, fuming, said, “General Qian Ye, you really need to discipline your subordinates!”
Qian Ye, unable to bear it any longer, had to interject, “Actually, she is my adjutant, not a subordinate.”
“What difference does it make?” the middle-aged man replied, then bowed to Qian Ye, “General, please make sure to attend the banquet tomorrow evening.”
Qian Ye, with an exasperated look, said, “I’m afraid I cannot make it tomorrow. The Fourth Young Master has requested my presence for a military discussion, and I cannot be absent.”
Only then did the middle-aged man show surprise, “Fourth Young Master, could it be Prince Jun Du Zhao?”
“Exactly.”
The middle-aged man instantly changed his demeanor, saying, “In that case, General, indeed, you cannot be there. I shall return another day and choose a different time. Would that be acceptable?”
Qian Ye smiled, “I will certainly attend the next time.”
Satisfied, the middle-aged man took his leave.
After Qian Ye closed the courtyard gate, Jitianqing looked him up and down, saying, “I didn’t expect it. You look honest, but you lie so smoothly. Quite the talent!”
Qian Ye gave a wry smile, “I just wanted to get rid of them quickly. But who is Earl Zion? I’ve never heard of him.”
Jitianqing pursed her lips, “I haven’t heard of him either. Who knows where he popped up from?”
This unexpected event left Qian Ye puzzled. Why would Earl Zion suddenly appear and propose such a thing? And with such urgency, showing no decorum expected of a noble. At the very least, he should be a Margrave by title.
In the departing carriage, the middle-aged man, still fuming, raged, “Absolutely outrageous! A mere Major dares to behave this way. Where is the respect for etiquette and law? I won’t rest until I take down this Li Kuanglan!”
A secretary in the carriage, deep in thought, mused, “The 17th Legion’s headquarters seems to be near Jing Tang. Li Kuanglan, Li Kuanglan… the name sounds familiar. Could it be related to the Li family?”
The middle-aged man was slightly taken aback but then dismissed it, “I know several people from the Li family and many of their sons and daughters’ names, but I’ve never heard of such a person. What high status can an adjutant have?”
The others around him agreed, and they began to strategize on how to deal with Li Kuanglan. However, they were all careful not to mention the 17th Legion or Qian Ye, as neither could be easily offended by Earl Zion.
Inside the courtyard, Qian Ye and Jitianqing sat facing each other, sipping tea. It must be said, Jitianqing was a master in the art of tea. The cup of tea she brewed was as light as water but with a far-reaching fragrance, leaving Qian Ye bewildered but knowing it was excellent, though he couldn’t pinpoint why.
A single teapot produced only two cups, yet the aftertaste lingered. Qian Ye didn’t ask about the tea’s value, preferring not to know and avoid the distress. Seeing that Jitianqing only carried a few pieces, one could imagine its worth.
After drinking a cup, Qian Ye closed his eyes and remained silent. The tea’s aroma seemed to have a physical form, flowing through his body, purifying the origin power it passed. This tea had the remarkable ability to purify origin power. However, Qian Ye’s origin power had already been refined and condensed by the Radiance Chapter, almost reaching its limit. This tea, although miraculous, could not compare to the ancient Song scroll and had no effect on Qian Ye.
A moment later, as the tea’s fragrance dissipated, Qian Ye opened his eyes and felt a jolt in his chest. Unconsciously, he exhaled a breath. This breath was condensed, straight as an arrow, pure and clear, with a few golden threads intertwined. The room filled with fragrance upon the exhale, a phenomenon that only occurred when the Dawn origin power was extremely pure.
Jitianqing’s eyes lit up, staring at Qian Ye as if seeing a monster.
With the breath exhaled, Qian Ye felt a sudden lightness, and his origin power seemed to become more vibrant.
Jitianqing suddenly said, “Do you know, if after drinking this tea, you exhaled gray mist, it would mean you are a genius with a limitless future, worthy of being nurtured. But you, you exhaled a Dawn Breath! I really want to cut you open and see what’s inside.”
Qian Ye was startled. This woman, with her mysterious origins, formidable combat skills, and endless tricks, might actually do it.
Toying with the delicate teacup, Qian Ye pondered, “Tianqing, I don’t know your background, nor will I ask. But, at the very least, let me see your true appearance.”
Jitianqing smiled, “If I can’t even tell you my origins, I definitely can’t show you my appearance. I’m too ugly; I’d scare you. Just consider me a little Major!”
“How could that be? But, fine.” Qian Ye shook his head, got up, and left.
He had already concluded that Jitianqing must have a stunning background and seemed to have some connection to Li Kuanglan. Someone like that coming to the Indestructible City, the Zhao clan and Jun Du Zhao would surely know. Since they allowed her free entry, it meant her identity was at least without issue.
Deciding to put this aside, Qian Ye focused on his immediate task—practicing combat techniques. The war could resume at any moment, making every second precious.
Qian Ye took Dongyue and went to the courtyard, placing a few chairs as obstacles. Focusing, he gathered his strength and slowly thrust the heavy sword.
Seeing Qian Ye practice, Jitianqing excitedly brought a table and chair, sitting beside him and preparing tea and snacks. She watched him practice, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
Qian Ye, with his resolute mind, ignored Jitianqing and continued to study his sword techniques as if she didn’t exist.
After a few moves, Jitianqing’s eyes lit up, “Are you trying to break the Li family’s quick sword technique? I like this!”
Upon mentioning the breakdown of the Li family’s sword technique, she lost her composure, jumped into the courtyard, and started discussing with Qian Ye how to counter the quick sword.
Jitianqing was well-versed in the secrets and techniques of various factions, particularly familiar with the secret sword techniques of the Li family of Jing Tang. Her ideas were often unique and brilliant. With her involvement, Qian Ye’s progress in cracking the sword techniques accelerated. At this rate, in a few days, he would be able to handle Li Kuanglan’s rapid sword assault.
Just as they were engrossed in their sword studies, a cold snort came from outside the courtyard, “If you have the time, why not deal with the dark races instead?”
Startled, Qian Ye turned and saw Li Kuanglan, her face cold, turning to leave.
Jitianqing, always eager for chaos, shouted at his back, “Secure the interior before dealing with the exterior! Get rid of this troublemaker first!”
Li Kuanglan’s figure visibly trembled, but he resisted the urge to turn back and attack, speeding away instead.
Qian Ye sighed inwardly. In comparison, Jitianqing was the real troublemaker, but he could only think this, not say it.
A night passed as they honed their sword techniques. As dawn broke, Qian Ye’s courtyard door was kicked open, followed by boisterous laughter. Zhaoying walked in confidently.
Jitianqing and Qian Ye, practicing their swords, both looked at Zhaoying.
Seeing Jitianqing, Zhaoying’s expression changed dramatically, “Is it you?!”
Jitianqing’s reaction was even stranger. She sidestepped behind Qian Ye, “You’ve mistaken me, it’s not me!”
“If it’s not you, then who is it? Ah?” Zhaoying, mouth agape, stared at Jitianqing, who emerged from behind Qian Ye. By then, she had changed her appearance to that of a pretty young girl, seemingly a different person.
Zhaoying, with a peculiar mix of puzzlement and relief, said, “Fine, if it’s not you, then it’s not you. Qian Ye, come here.”
When Qian Ye approached, Zhaoying lowered her voice, “How did you end up with her?”
“I have no idea. She appeared suddenly, claiming to be my personal adjutant and even showed me a military appointment on the spot,” Qian Ye replied innocently.
Zhaoying’s face filled with sympathy, and she patted Qian Ye’s shoulder, “Well, then there’s nothing I can do to help you. Pray for yourself. Also…”
She lowered her voice even further, whispering mysteriously, “Remember one thing, never, ever drink with her!”
“…” Qian Ye looked at Zhaoying, speechless. Even at this distance, Jitianqing could hear every word. Zhaoying’s words seemed to be goading Jitianqing into challenging Qian Ye to a drinking contest. But Jitianqing wasn’t stupid; she wouldn’t fall for such an obvious ploy, would she?
After saying this, Zhaoying told Jitianqing, “Alright, I’ve never seen you, and you’ve never seen me.”
Jitianqing immediately nodded, “Of course! Goodbye!”
“Better never see you again!” Zhaoying muttered, fleeing the courtyard, leaving Qian Ye with a feeling of abandonment.
Once Zhaoying left, Jitianqing’s eyes glinted, fixing on Qian Ye, “So, what she means is that your alcohol tolerance is better than mine?”
“No way!” Qian Ye denied it firmly. He truly didn’t want to provoke Jitianqing. Although he hadn’t experienced a full drunk yet, having too much made him feel weird and led to unusual actions.
But Jitianqing wasn’t fooled. Slapping Qian Ye’s shoulder, she declared, “Tonight, we drink! It’s settled. We’ll call Zhaoying and the others as witnesses.”
“Tonight, I have something else to do,” Qian Ye tried to protest, knowing it was futile.
Jitianqing waved her left hand, producing a blank military order, “Your business tonight is drinking. Do you need a direct order from the military?”
Unable to argue, Qian Ye relented.
At that moment, Wei Potian’s voice rang from outside. Full of energy, he called, “Qian Ye! Up yet? Clear your schedule for tonight, and come with me. I’ll introduce you to some beautiful girls! How about that, bro, aren’t I a good friend?”
Then, a menacing aura filled the courtyard.
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