Town Master’s Mansion, backyard.
In the pavilion,
Mark Gu and Ambrose Lu sat facing each other, each with a cup of hot tea in front of them.
“Sir, it seems the demon and beast realms might have formed an alliance. A few days ago, there was a beast attack. After five years of peace, they are making moves again,” Mark said respectfully, glancing curiously at the turtle on Ambrose’s shoulder.
Ambrose didn’t comment on the matter but instead said, “I see that your Golden Elixir has some cracks. The tribulation for advancing to the Elemental Infant stage is likely approaching.”
Mark was taken aback by the sudden change in topic and then laughed dryly, “Sir, your insight is indeed sharp. My tribulation is indeed approaching.”
A hint of worry appeared on his face as he continued, “This tribulation comes at such a critical moment, of all times.”
Ambrose took a sip of tea, savoring it, and then said, “Knowing that the demon and beast realms have allied, why hasn’t your Cyan Cloud Sect informed the cultivation world?”
Mark was momentarily stunned by the return to the previous topic and sighed, “Sir, without knowing the exact time of the attack, if we reveal this, our Cyan Cloud Sect might become a laughingstock. Moreover, the cultivation world has become too indifferent these days…”
“True, your Cyan Cloud Sect might become a laughingstock. But when the demon and beast realms attack, if the cultivation world isn’t prepared, many in the mortal world will die,” Ambrose said softly.
Mark felt his mouth go dry and fell silent, recalling his earlier words about seeking immortality but also seeking a sense of righteousness. He felt a pang of shame.
“Sir, do you mean that no matter what, we should inform the cultivation world?” Mark asked quietly.
“How would I know?” Ambrose said, slowly disappearing from the pavilion.
Seeing this, Mark sighed deeply after a long while, bowed in the courtyard, and walked out.
As he was about to leave, Andrew Chen and the butler happened to pass by. They were startled and quickly approached Mark, bowing, “Immortal Gu, are you here to see the sir? It seems he has just left.”
“Hehe, I just met with him,” Mark smiled and flew away in front of them.
Andrew and the butler exchanged a joyful glance, looked at the courtyard, bowed, and quietly retreated.
The sir had just been disturbed by Immortal Gu; it was best not to bother him now.
…
Li Shui Imperial Capital.
“Five years, it’s been five years. What do you all think about the recent sudden beast attack and their abrupt retreat?” the Li Shui King asked, standing in the grand hall and scanning the officials.
“Sigh, our Li Shui Empire has been peaceful for five years. Who knew the beasts would break the peace again…”
“Fortunately, there were no casualties this time.”
“But what do these beasts mean by this? We really can’t figure it out.”
…
The officials whispered among themselves, but no one directly answered the king’s question. They truly didn’t know.
“Bang!”
The Li Shui King slammed his hand on the table, and the hall fell silent. The officials were as quiet as cicadas in winter.
“Again! Five years ago, it was the same! I know you are all mere mortals, but I’m not asking you to solve the beast problem, just your opinions! Yet you all pretend not to hear me!” the king raged. “You eat the people’s taxes but are of no use! Why should I keep you? I might as well recruit new talents. As for you, you might as well retire early!”
The officials were shocked and knelt in unison, shouting, “Your Majesty, please calm down!”
They all glanced at Caleb Dong, signaling him: Old Dong, you usually have the best ideas, hurry up!
Caleb was also speechless. Why him? Even if he had some ideas, he didn’t want to speak up! Five years ago, he made a contribution, but the king didn’t promote him!
At that time, outside Moyu Town, he had modestly mentioned something, and the king took it seriously! How could he handle that?
“Hmm?” The Li Shui King noticed the officials’ glances and turned his gaze to Caleb, his eyes flashing. “Minister Dong, I’ve noticed you speak less in the past five years.”
Caleb trembled and said, “Your Majesty overthinks. Perhaps it’s because I’m getting old and my mind is dull.”
The king said calmly, “Minister Dong, if you can explain the beasts’ strange retreat, I will promote you on the spot!”
Caleb stood up abruptly, staring at the king, “Your Majesty, do you mean it?”
The officials were stunned. Didn’t Caleb just say his mind was dull?
“A king’s word is his bond,” the king said, his eyes brightening.
Caleb felt a bitter smile in his heart. Indeed, the king’s word was his bond. Five years ago, he didn’t get promoted, just as promised.
Did the king know how he had lived these five years? He had been brooding over that incident!
“Your Majesty, I believe this is related to the fleeting cry we heard that day!” Caleb said respectfully and seriously.
The officials were taken aback. Thinking about it, it seemed true. Why hadn’t they thought of it?
“Moreover, I have a feeling that the cry might be related to the sir,” Caleb added reverently.
Seeing the officials’ confusion, Caleb quickly waved his hand, “Don’t look at me; it’s just a hunch.”
“Your Majesty, if the beasts’ retreat is related to that cry, it means they might attack again anytime. What should we do? Should we move to Moyu Town?” an official asked.
The king waved his hand, “Moving just the eastern part of the empire to Moyu Town is manageable, but the south, west, and north are too far, and there are too many people. Moyu Town’s surroundings wouldn’t accommodate everyone. Besides…”
Caleb interjected, “Besides, the king means that after five years, the sir might no longer be in Moyu Town. Moving there would be pointless.”
The king looked at Caleb appreciatively, “Indeed, Minister Dong is right.”
“What should we do then?” The officials were anxious.
“Don’t worry, the Cyan Cloud Sect immortals have prepared for this. We just need to cooperate with them,” the king said solemnly.
The officials nodded.
Caleb noticed the king seemed to have forgotten something and quickly said, “Your Majesty, have you forgotten something?”
“What?” the king asked, puzzled.
“Ugh!” Caleb suddenly spat out three mouthfuls of blood, splattering many officials.
…
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