A moment later, Fu Lingxi rose and walked out of the quiet chamber, heading towards the highest level of the Shenlong Temple.
Although no lamps were lit on this highest level, it was brilliantly illuminated.
The entire dome of the temple’s highest level was constructed of glazed tiles and crystal, crystal clear and sparkling.
At this moment, High Priest Gelai and Grand Inquisitor Luo Ge, the two highest leaders of the Shenlong Temple in the Nu Lang Kingdom, were playing chess.
“Your Eminence the High Priest, Your Eminence the Grand Inquisitor, may I return to Tianshui City to have a look?” Fu Lingxi asked.
High Priest Gelai was taken aback, then remained silent.
Grand Inquisitor Luo Ge said, “No!”
Instantly, Fu Lingxi lowered her head.
Grand Inquisitor Luo Ge continued, “You severed all ties with your past more than a decade ago, and are no longer concerned with worldly affairs. In the Shenlong Temple, you have a bright future ahead of you. Do not entangle yourself with matters of the mundane world.”
Fu Lingxi lowered her head and said, “Yes.”
Luo Ge continued, “Your task is to continue cooperating with Lord Huai Bingyi in searching for demon blood, and ultimately finding the master of the demon star. This is what concerns the very survival of our Shenlong Temple.”
“Yes.” Fu Lingxi said.
…
Tianshui City.
Previously, rumours had circulated that Suo Lun was dead. Suo Ningbing and Nai’er had not believed them, yet all of Tianshui City seemed to face the end of days.
Now, with Suo Lun’s return, the hearts of these women truly felt as if they might burst with joy, beyond description by any words.
The griffin upon which Suo Lun rode had just landed.
Elder sister Suo Ningbing cast aside her previous reserve and was about to rush over directly.
However, she discovered that perhaps because she was too happy, too excited, her entire delicate body was completely unable to move, as if entirely paralysed in place.
During this period, Yan Nai’er had once again become that cold and resolute Yan Shuang.
But the moment she saw Suo Lun, she instantly transformed back into that sweet and innocent Yan Nai’er, rushing over to deeply embrace Suo Lun’s neck, her two beautiful legs directly wrapping around Suo Lun’s waist, holding him tightly as if to strangle his neck.
Then, she eagerly kissed Suo Lun, extending her fiery fragrant tongue, desperately sucking and intertwining.
This kiss was almost suffocating. As she kissed, she wept, until her entire body grew weak, hanging upon Suo Lun as if limp.
At this moment, Suo Ningbing regained her ability to move and walked over with tear-filled eyes.
Just now, she too had been about to rush over without regard for anything. Only now did she remember that she was an elder sister, not a lover.
But Suo Lun paid no heed, and also pulled her into his embrace, kissing her upon the face.
Instantly, Ningbing felt as if struck by lightning.
Nai’er, in Suo Lun’s embrace, was completely intoxicated in mind and spirit, noticing nothing. Fu Yan’er, who ran over holding Qin Qin, and Gui Qinshao behind her, both showed slight surprise.
Why did Suo Lun kiss his elder sister Suo Ningbing?
However, since Suo Lun dared to kiss her in public, they harboured no suspicions, merely feeling that the sibling bond was truly deep, and that such loss of composure was due to the overwhelming emotion of reunion after disaster.
Fu Yan’er, seeing her daughter struggling in her arms, set her down and said, “Go quickly.”
Instantly, Qin Qin ran over at full speed. Suo Lun’s wrist swept out, lifting the little darling into his arms, showering her little face with frantic kisses.
“Giggle…”
All the gloom vanished from Qin Qin’s face, and she giggled continuously.
Suo Lun held his daughter, greedily inhaling her scent.
“Younger Sister Nai’er, it’s my turn. Husband is not yours alone.” Fu Yan’er said with sourness and bitterness.
Yan Nai’er’s face reddened, and she reluctantly released Suo Lun.
Fu Yan’er immediately rushed over, hooking her arms around Suo Lun’s neck and kissing him.
Suo Lun turned his face trying to dodge, but wherever he dodged, Fu Yan’er’s little mouth followed, then kissed him heavily, extending her little tongue to lick.
Suo Lun clenched his teeth tight, not letting her tongue enter.
Unexpectedly, this mad woman actually reached down and gave a squeeze. Suo Lun felt pain, and Fu Yan’er’s tongue took the opportunity to slip in, sucking and licking.
This woman was truly shameless, daring to grope so wanton in front of so many people.
And Qin Qin covered one eye with her hand, while using the other to make a face of embarrassment.
Finally, Suo Lun carried Qin Qin before Yan Chuo’er, gently extending his arms to embrace her, saying, “Aunt.”
Yan Chuo’er intimately pressed her cheek against Suo Lun’s.
“You villain, why did you take so long to return?” Little Princess Yan Xue’er said with tear-filled eyes.
Suo Lun scooped up the crook of her legs, just as he held Qin Qin, completely treating her as a little child.
“Annoying, annoying…” Yan Xue’er twisted her delicate body and pouted, yet did not get down.
“Thank you, Your Highness the Princess, for bringing my younger brother back.” Suo Ningbing stepped forward and bowed in salute.
Princess Zhiyan said, “He is also my husband. You need not speak so, Elder Sister.”
Suo Ningbing was taken aback, beginning to recall whether this was the first time Princess Zhiyan had called her elder sister. And for some unknown reason, she always felt that Princess Zhiyan had undergone great changes, as if she had become much more beautiful.
Gui Qinshao, seeing Suo Lun so intimate with other women, immediately felt lonely and uncomfortable, and said coquettishly, “Suo Lun, I haven’t even bathed yet. Hurry up.”
Suo Ningbing did not like Gui Qinshao. She would never forget the scene from nearly two years ago.
It was this very Gui Qinshao who had so humiliated her beloved Suo Lun. Therefore, she did not greet Gui Qinshao, nor did she show her a pleasant face.
“Suo Lun, I can’t walk. Come carry me quickly.” Gui Qinshao called out coquettishly from atop the griffin.
Suo Lun set Yan Xue’er down and walked helplessly towards Gui Qinshao.
“Elder Brother, I don’t like this woman.” Yan Xue’er said in a low voice.
Suo Lun pinched her little face and said, “Our little Xue’er is the most well-behaved. Even if you don’t like someone, you won’t curse at them, right?”
“Annoying, don’t treat me like a child.” Yan Xue’er gave him a light pinch.
Suo Lun still held Qin Qin as he went to carry Gui Qinshao down from the griffin’s back, saying, “No throwing young lady tantrums, no making Elder Sister unhappy, understand?”
“Who would dare?” Gui Qinshao pouted, her arms around Suo Lun’s neck, “I am all alone with no one to rely upon. It would be good enough if I weren’t bullied to death.”
Just then, Qin Qin’s little nose sniffed and caught a whiff of a urinous smell, then looked towards Gui Qinshao’s thigh.
Although she had not wet the bed for a long time, little brother Suo Yu still frequently did so, so she was quite familiar with this smell.
Instantly, Gui Qinshao flushed crimson, burying her little face entirely in Suo Lun’s embrace, too ashamed to face anyone.
Meanwhile, Suo Ningbing went warmly to entertain Zhuang Zhixuan and the others.
Suo Lun escorted Gui Qinshao to bathe, assigning her four maidservants.
Then, he hurriedly went to extinguish the fire.
Because Nai’er’s little face had already turned so stern it seemed about to frost over, her delicate body twisting as she stood at the doorway.
“Darling, are you angry?” Suo Lun stepped forward, gently pressing against Nai’er’s full, pert bottom, his palm resting upon her lower abdomen and gently rubbing.
Nai’er sighed softly and said, “So long as you can return safely, nothing else matters. You are so wicked, and this is not the first day I have known it.”
Suo Lun caught the醋意 filling the air and kissed her little mouth, then laughed, “Sweet, not sour at all.”
Nai’er turned her face, gazing into Suo Lun’s eyes, and said seriously, “Husband, you must remember, I am the woman who loves you most. No one else loves you as much as I do.”
…
Within the city lord’s manor council hall.
After Suo Lun’s return, Suo Ningbing went directly to the rear courtyard, no longer participating in council hall affairs.
“Husband, I am about to lead the army to the Wind Thunder Fortress defence line to resist Duke Zhiwei’s over one hundred thousand strong army.” Yan Nai’er said, “Aunt Yan Chuo is preparing to lead all naval forces to fight to the death against Gui Xingfu.”
Suo Lun asked, “Can we win?”
Yan Nai’er thought for a moment and said, “We only have forty thousand, while the enemy has four hundred thousand troops, and they keep coming endlessly. We cannot win.”
Suo Lun said, “Therefore, all previous military deployments are cancelled. Now, hear my command!”
Instantly, everyone present sat up straight.
Suo Lun said, “Gui Xingfu’s navy has forty thousand, while we only have ten thousand naval troops. If we cannot win, then do not fight at all. Let Gui Xingfu land on Chaos Stone Island.”
At these words, everyone was taken aback.
Zhiyan said, “Husband, not to mention that Chaos Stone Island is an important source of revenue for us. It is also a symbol. Once Gui Xingfu occupies Chaos Stone Island, it means Zhili will initiate the next round of action.”
Suo Lun said, “The enemy’s forces are overwhelming. No matter what schemes or tricks, we cannot defeat them head-on. Then we can only change our approach. You fight your way, I fight mine!”
At these words, everyone’s ears perked up.
Suo Lun said, “Gui Xingfu’s navy assembled in the southeastern waters off Luan Yang City, correct?”
Yan Nai’er said, “Correct, because Linhai City’s docks do not have a harbour large enough, nor can they supply a fleet of forty thousand, so they assembled in the southeastern waters off Luan Yang City.”
Then, Nai’er suddenly said, “Last time, Tu Lingduo sent someone to assassinate City Lord Tuli Wen, and we replaced him through deception. City Lord Tuli Wen should now feel regretful in his heart. If we have him incite the ten thousand naval troops of Luan Yang City to rebel at the critical moment and strike back, it will certainly have a miraculous effect.”
Suo Lun was quite moved upon hearing this, but after some thought, shook his head and said, “No, City Lord Tuli Wen is a very crucial trump card. It would be a pity to play him at this time. Dealing with a mere Gui Xingfu does not yet require using Tuli Wen.”
These words were also filled with heroic spirit.
Previously, whether Nai’er, Yan Chuo’er, or Yan Yan, facing the present situation, all felt utter despair, sensing not a single glimmer of hope.
Yet here was Suo Lun, not only wanting to win, but unwilling to even play the Tuli Wen card.
Suo Lun said, “Gui Xingfu’s navy should arrive at Chaos Stone Island in less than two days. Aunt, you must immediately ride a griffin to the coast, lead the fleet northward, and have the seven thousand Yan pirates garrison Chaos Stone Island castle. Transport all giant trebuchets from the ships, all fire oil bombs, to Chaos Stone Island castle. Convert naval forces to land forces, let Gui Xingfu’s forty thousand naval troops onto Chaos Stone Island, then fight.”
Yan Chuo’er (the Queen) said, “This is certainly possible, but although Chaos Stone Island’s castle has been repaired, it is still not sturdy enough. There are three thousand defenders inside, and with the Yan pirates, only ten thousand troops. Facing Gui Xingfu’s forty thousand strong army, it will still fall.”
Suo Lun said, “Can you hold for five days?”
Yan Chuo’er said, “That is no problem, ten days would be possible.”
Suo Lun said, “Then it is settled. Our first step: the Suo clan navy abandons naval decisive battle with Gui Xingfu, lures Gui Xingfu’s forty thousand naval troops to Chaos Stone Island, then fights, holding for five days as the strategic objective.”
“Yes.” Yan Chuo’er (the Queen) said.
Suo Lun said, “Second step: Princess Zhiyan, Zhuang Zhixuan, and Shadow Pavilion experts immediately head north, occupying the bridges and ferry crossings between Tianshui City and Linhai City. Absolutely do not let Linhai City destroy them.”
“Yes!” Yan Chuo’er said.
Between Tianshui City and Linhai City, the Nu River served as a natural boundary.
At one point along the Nu River between the two places, the waters were relatively calm, not so steep and perilous, and only about a hundred metres wide. Therefore, three iron chain suspension bridges spanned it, along with ferry docks.
Suo Lun continued, “After the meeting ends, I will immediately ride a griffin south to Tian Wolf Pass. I will welcome A Shi Liren to lead her troops through the pass and head north. Lord Yan Yan will also lead all cavalry from within Tian Wolf Pass northward, a total of twenty-five thousand cavalry. They must use the fastest speed to attack Linhai City with the force of thunder. Within three days, completely occupy the entirety of Linhai City, and capture Linhai City young lord Gui Qinbi.”
“Third step: send troops to Chaos Stone Island, attack from front and rear, and completely annihilate Gui Xingfu’s forty thousand allied troops.”
“In short, the strategic objective of this battle is only one: to completely capture Linhai City, kill or capture Gui Xingfu, Gui Qinbi, Gui Qinqu, Gui Qinzhong. In short, to leave not a single male of the Gui clan, making Gui Qinshao the sole heir to the city lordship of Linhai City. Then in the shortest time, issue an edict conferring upon Gui Qinshao the title of Count of Linhai, City Lord of Linhai, under the guardianship of Lady Tu Lingsi.” Suo Lun said.
At these words, everyone present was utterly shocked.
They had not expected that Suo Lun not only wanted to preserve Tianshui City, but to completely exterminate the Gui Xingfu clan, to drive yet another vicious knife into Zhili’s soft underbelly.
After elevating A Shi Liren to City Lord of Rou Ran, he now wanted to elevate Gui Qinshao to City Lord of Linhai.
This was simply too… shocking.
Zhiyan said, “Then what about Duke Zhiwei’s over one hundred thousand strong army, and Duke Tu Lingtuo’s suppression army?”
“Do not concern yourselves with them.” Suo Lun said, “Our speed must be fast. While Duke Zhiwei’s and Duke Tu Lingtuo’s armies have not yet arrived, completely destroy Gui Xingfu, completely capture Linhai City, make it a fait accompli!”
Zhiyan said, “Zhili, in his fury and shame, will have several hundred thousand troops attack Tianshui City.”
Suo Lun said, “Rest assured, at that time I will have another strategy to make him accept this fact while pinching his nose, swallowing it down with gritted teeth and blood in his mouth.”
At this moment, Nai’er suddenly said, “Husband, what about me? What is my task?”
Suo Lun said, “You will lead over twenty thousand troops to defend the western Wind Thunder Fortress defence line, mainly to resist Duke Zhiwei’s over one hundred thousand strong army. Without Zhili’s orders, he dares not truly attack the city. But in the event he does attack, you must hold for three days.”
Nai’er said, “We have astronomical numbers of fire oil bombs, and the Wind Thunder Fortress defence line has several hundred giant trebuchets. Holding for three days is no problem.”
Suo Lun said, “Then the meeting is adjourned. Immediately depart for the battlefield!”
A moment later, Yan Chuo’er rode a griffin towards the eastern sea. She would lead seven thousand Yan pirates to garrison Chaos Stone Island castle, converting naval warfare to land warfare.
Zhiyan, Zhuang Zhixuan, and Shadow Pavilion experts rode griffins northward to seize the suspension bridges and ferry crossings on the Nu River, ensuring the passage for A Shi Liren and Lord Yan Yan’s armies heading north to Linhai City.
Yan Nai’er led fifteen thousand troops westward to the Wind Thunder Fortress defence line, adding the nearly ten thousand defenders there, for a total of twenty-five thousand troops to resist Duke Zhiwei’s over one hundred thousand strong army.
And Suo Lun, riding a griffin, headed south to welcome A Shi Liren and Lord Yan Yan’s army.
This earth-shaking great net, this earth-shaking battle situation, completely unfolded.
It was entirely a case of you within me, me within you. Encirclement and being encircled, you fight your way, I fight mine.
…
One hour later!
Suo Lun, riding a griffin, landed upon Tian Wolf Pass, where he saw the peerless and unmatched A Shi Liren.
“A Li, you have led troops to our aid. My heart surges with emotion, and I cannot help but want to rush up and embrace you, to forcefully kiss you. Will you beat me?” Suo Lun asked.
With that, Suo Lun directly spread his arms and lunged towards A Shi Liren.
He truly intended to forcefully kiss her!