Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 1776 - 1769: Beichang Empire

Chapter 1776: Chapter 1769: Beichang Empire

The Wen Family wants to rely on the military to establish prestige. The three tribes of Yipa are just the appetizer; the real main course is the Beichang Empire. Only by completely destroying the Beichang royal family can the legitimacy of the Dongsheng Empire be ensured, thus establishing the ruling status of the Wen Family’s Imperial Court.

Ichuan Fei expressed many grievances during the explanation. The Dongsheng Empire advancing north to the Snow Boundary Pass was actually the Wen Family’s first military action without relying on the Wu Family’s strength, and it ended in a disastrous defeat.

This disastrous defeat left the Wen Family’s Imperial Court humiliated, and Ichuan Fei had a look of unresolved anger. Upon further questioning, Luo’er was surprised to learn that Ichuan Fei had actually participated in the Battle of the Snow Boundary Pass.

It was hard to imagine that such a scholarly and weak-looking man was actually the commander of the Dongsheng army ten years ago. That war led to the complete destruction of Ichuan Fei’s troops, and he barely escaped with his life. No wonder he felt such deep regret.

As Ichuan Fei spoke more passionately, he suddenly had an intense bout of coughing, and his face instantly turned pale.

"Are you okay?" Luo’er asked with concern.

"Thank you for your concern, National Advisor, but it’s nothing serious. It’s just a relapse of an old ailment from that year," Ichuan Fei covered his mouth, waving his hand to indicate he was fine.

It seemed that the defeat at the Snow Boundary Pass not only dealt a psychological blow to Ichuan Fei but also ravaged his physical health.

On the other side, after Luo’er left, the other members of the Advance Team didn’t remain idle. Cheng Ziang and others planned to go out and see how prosperous the capital of the Dongsheng Empire was.

This had become a routine project for the Advance Team. Wherever they went, they would take a walk and explore the local customs and culture.

So, after some preparation, they left Tangmo to look after Little Tangguo, while the remaining three left the Mansion and headed out into the streets.

The Forbidden Army guarding them did not stop them from going out but instead sent people to follow. After all, they were not prisoners, and Luo’er had even been appointed as National Advisor, so the Forbidden Army dared not detain the members of the Advance Team.

The capital Shengyuan Qilan of the Dongsheng Empire was located in the eastern part of the Empire, surrounded by Yin State. The capital city was over a hundred kilometers from the coast, with a typical subtropical monsoon climate.

At this time, it was midsummer, the blazing sun shone high in the sky, and only a few thin clouds were visible in the blue sky. Although the three had dressed lightly, they were still soaked in sweat.

Compared to the capitals of other states and counties in Kyushu, Shengyuan Qilan was indeed the best at showcasing the Dongsheng Empire’s unique and bold spirit. The streets of the city were straight and wide, paved with bluestone bricks, with arches erected in each district.

As the capital, Shengyuan Qilan’s streets were crowded yet remarkably clean and tidy. Drainage ditches lined both sides of the roads, unlike the chaos of markets outside the city walls.

As a major capital city, Shengyuan Qilan had excellent planning, all market trade was set in one place, with no trace of vendors elsewhere.

The three walked along the street, observing the surrounding environment and passersby. Unusually, they did not wear masks but showed their true faces, attracting many onlookers.

Of course, Baiyue still wore a hood, for if people saw her rabbit ears, typical of the Demon Clan, the three might face trouble.

Since Luo’er took over the responsibilities, Cheng Ziang rarely felt so leisurely, even feeling a bit uncomfortable. He could only accept Luo’er actively taking on responsibilities.

Indeed, Luo’er couldn’t stay idle. Even if made a Saint, he would still worry about his subordinates.

Initially, Cheng Ziang chatted idly with Hu Daoke, but Hu Daoke was soon pulled away by Baiyue to help, leaving Cheng Ziang behind, watching their backs.

For some reason, Cheng Ziang always felt something was missing, an emptiness inside. Walking along the street, he felt unsteady, unsettled.

What was missing after all?

Just as he pondered this, a young girl silently approached him, keeping in step and cheekily walking alongside him. Noticing her, Cheng Ziang was stunned, not reacting for quite some time.

"You..." Cheng Ziang started, but his mind went blank.

"You don’t remember me, do you?" the girl pouted, asking accusingly.

"I really don’t remember," Cheng Ziang replied candidly.

Even though they had just met, he felt a natural affinity with this girl, allowing them to converse easily.

"I went through so much hardship following you, and the moment we arrive at the capital, you forget about me, humph, ungrateful!" the girl said, feigning anger with a humph.

"Uh, I seem to recall, but I just can’t remember the name," Cheng Ziang said, slapping his forehead.

"Humph!" the girl pursed her lips, looking at him with puffed cheeks.

"Don’t give me that look. It’s not my fault. It’s just how your ability is," Cheng Ziang said, spreading his hands, feeling innocent.

"I thought you’d be different." The girl said, showing a sad expression.

"Wait, wait, Flower, what’s after Flower..." Cheng Ziang seemed to have caught onto something, raising his voice.

"What’s after Flower?" the girl asked, tilting her head.

"Flower, Hun Jiansi!" Cheng Ziang exclaimed through gritted teeth, finally shouting the name.

"Hehehe," hearing the name, the girl showed a surprised yet satisfied smile, "I can’t believe you actually remembered. I was already prepared to tell you."

"Is it fun to torment me?" Cheng Ziang sighed with relief, saying helplessly.

"You forgot me so quickly," Hun Jiansi said reproachfully.

"What are you talking about? You were the one hiding. What could I do?" Cheng Ziang shook his head.

"I’ve been busy lately, naturally no time to be with you every day," Hun Jiansi said matter-of-factly.

"After arriving home, did you go to report to your superiors?" Cheng Ziang teased.

"Hmm, humph..." Hun Jiansi did not answer, instead exhibiting a vague demeanor.

Cheng Ziang knew her concerns well, so he didn’t press further. After all, throughout the journey, he understood Hun Jiansi’s attitude. If she really wanted to cause him harm, she could have acted back in Hua State.

"Unexpectedly, His Majesty placed such importance on the Saint, even appointing them National Advisor." After some hesitation, Hun Jiansi decided to change the topic.

"Naturally, it’s our Saint..." Cheng Ziang initially wanted to say "boss" but thought better of it.

"Stop bragging, it’s not like you were made National Advisor," Hun Jiansi commented, rolling her eyes.

"It doesn’t matter who it is, we are happy to see the Saint succeed, aren’t we?" Cheng Ziang said.

After a pause, he suddenly thought of something, looking at Hun Jiansi and curiously asking, "After arriving in Shengjing, your mission is basically over, right? Do you still have a reason to stay with us?"

"What do you mean? Are you trying to kick me out?" Hun Jiansi asked dissatisfied.

"Don’t misunderstand, I mean, did your superiors not assign you other tasks?" Cheng Ziang gestured while asking.

"My task is to watch over all of you," Hun Jiansi replied.

"Really?"

"Why are you so concerned about whether I’m working or not?" Hun Jiansi asked, puzzled.

"No reason, I just thought that if it’s a private relationship, maybe we could do some more in-depth things," Cheng Ziang said.

"More in-depth?" Hun Jiansi’s heart raced, her cheeks turning red.

"Like if I run out of toilet paper, you could help pass some over. Or if I’m taking a bath, someone to help add water and scrub my back," Cheng Ziang thought aloud.

"Stop dreaming! I’m not a maid. Why should I help with such things?" Although somewhat disappointed, Hun Jiansi’s blush lingered on her face.

"It’s not your first time pretending to be a maid. I thought you did very well," Cheng Ziang said.

"Do you really want someone to serve you that much?"

"Not necessarily, you see, I could also help you pass paper or scrub your back. It’s mutual aid," Cheng Ziang said, unfazed.

"Rogue!" Hun Jiansi scolded unceremoniously, "No one needs you for such things, you’d just benefit unfairly."