Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 1828 - 1821: Name and Subtle Denigration

Chapter 1828: Chapter 1821: Name and Subtle Denigration

Within Ichuan Fei’s mansion, he is still assisting his father in dealing with various cumbersome affairs.

Before long, Yichuan Xv, the commander of the Forbidden Army, arrived at his mansion to report on the situation concerning the Advance Team.

"Ensure the safety of the National Master and the palace above all else; other places can be temporarily set aside." After hearing his brother’s report, Ichuan Fei pondered for a moment and said.

"But, those people in the city..." Yichuan Xv hesitated.

"I know, those people currently pose no threat, just ignore them." Ichuan Fei said, closing his eyes.

"Is there any intelligence from Emperor’s Sect?" Yichuan Xv paused and asked.

"I will handle matters concerning Emperor’s Sect myself; you need not worry."

"Understood, elder brother..."

After hesitating for quite a while, Yichuan Xv turned to leave, but suddenly heard Ichuan Fei calling out behind him: "Take care of yourself; if anything happens, don’t always come looking for me."

"Why do you say such things, brother?" Yichuan Xv turned back in surprise and asked.

"It’s nothing," Ichuan Fei lightly shook his head, continuing without lifting his gaze, "over ten years ago, you saved me from the icy battlefield. If anything happens to me now, you don’t need to rescue me again."

"Brother, do you know what you are saying?" Yichuan Xv asked, wide-eyed.

"I am very aware..."

Ichuan Fei suddenly began coughing violently, weakly waving his hand and said, "My days are numbered. The responsibility of passing on the Ichuan Clan’s legacy can only be entrusted to you..."

"Forgive me, I cannot comply."

Yichuan Xv, overcome with anger, firmly refused and abruptly left without waiting for Ichuan Fei to respond further.

Watching his departing figure, Ichuan Fei coughed lightly, shook his head helplessly, and said, "What a pity..."

He rested his chin in his palm and remained silent for a long time, until Yichuan Xv’s footsteps had completely faded.

After a while, another set of hurried footsteps approached, drawing nearer.

Ichuan Fei raised his head, his previously haggard face once again appeared refreshed, and his eyes shifted from their initial gentleness to sharpness.

The visitor hurried through the gate, led by the servants, all the way to Ichuan Fei, where he respectfully greeted him: "Greetings, Young Mansion, may I ask the purpose of your summons?"

The visitor was indeed Huayu Xuan, although he was also a member of the Gongxin Association, before Ichuan Fei, he showed no pretense.

"No need for formalities, you and I were once brothers in arms, and in private, such politeness is unnecessary." Ichuan Fei waved a hand gently.

"I wouldn’t dare, Young Mansion holds a high position, how could I dare to look directly. If the sun stands shoulder to shoulder with all things, then how could the living gaze upon it." Huayu Xuan answered respectfully.

"Heh heh..." Ichuan Fei smiled slightly, leaning back in his chair, observing Huayu Xuan, then continued, "We once swore to change this world, yet in the blink of an eye, so many years have passed."

Huayu Xuan was uncertain of Ichuan Fei’s intentions and thus remained silent.

"Through all these years, have you ever resented my failure to promote you, while favoring Jiuyun Ying?" Ichuan Fei asked.

"I’ve never had such thoughts," Huayu Xuan replied fearfully.

"Really, actually, I’ve always felt quite sorry for you."

"Young Mansion mustn’t say such things..."

"After so many years of neglecting you, it’s only natural you might have grievances."

"I’ve absolutely never conceived such thoughts..."

Huayu Xuan lowered his head, eyes widening, sweat beginning to seep from his back. Clearly, Ichuan Fei seemed to have noticed something.

This was to be expected; after all, he held command of an intelligence organization like Emperor’s Sect. In Shengjing, what could possibly escape his notice?

"I’m not angry nor blaming you, so there’s no need to be so nervous."

Ichuan Fei spoke softly, revealing a gentle smile.

"I am utterly loyal to the Imperial Court, loyal to Young Mansion!"

Huayu Xuan spoke, his knees trembling slightly.

"Why say such things all of a sudden," Ichuan Fei smiled, suddenly changing the subject, "By the way, I heard your father passed away a few months ago, and you’ve been busy with governmental affairs. Perhaps you should take some time off and go home; consider it a vacation from me."

"I... "

Huayu Xuan was momentarily speechless.

"What’s wrong, worried about things here? There’s no need. While you’re away, I’ll have someone manage your work, so you needn’t worry about any mishaps. Rest well at home for a while, you can return to your duties anytime."

Ichuan Fei still smiled, but evidently, it was more a hidden threat.

Hearing this news, Huayu Xuan’s mind went blank, unable to process anything else Ichuan Fei said afterward.

At this critical juncture, Ichuan Fei sending him home to mourn was tantamount to exiling him.

Though saying he could return anytime, who could guarantee he’d maintain his current status and position upon return?

For power-hungry Huayu Xuan, being expelled from the center was akin to death itself, a fate he couldn’t accept under any circumstance.

He didn’t understand, how his diligent service to the Wen Family’s Imperial Court, even volunteering to risk his life in West Outer Heaven, could end in such a downfall, leaving him bitterly dissatisfied.

The Dongsheng Empire had no mandatory rule on mourning for three years, making this merely Ichuan Fei’s personal suggestion.

Though a suggestion, Ichuan Fei was indeed the real power holder in Dongsheng Empire, was his suggestion merely a suggestion?

"What’s wrong, unwilling?"

Ichuan Fei slightly tilted his head, looking at him with a gentle and tranquil expression, as if unaware of the terrifying implications of his words.

"This official... serves the nation, daring not to concern with family trivialities..." Huayu Xuan stuttered.

"It’s exactly because you say so that I feel guilty towards you. You’ve twice passed by your home without entering while on expedition to West Outer Heaven. Now your father has passed away, as the eldest son, I can naturally understand your feelings, so..."

Speaking halfway, he intentionally glanced at Huayu Xuan, then withdrew his gaze and continued, "We are comrades; back then, we swore to uphold the nation’s integrity. I’m acutely aware of your contribution to the Imperial Court, so no need for such worries..."

"Yes... yes..."

Huayu Xuan lowered his head in despair, trembling slightly, his back drenched with cold sweat.

At this moment, his heart was a field of ashes, his vision seemed to fade into black and white.

He couldn’t accept such a result; Ichuan Fei didn’t dismiss him from his post, as that would require approval from the Ministry of Personnel.

But Ichuan Fei cleverly sent him home to rest. Though said to be resting, it felt more akin to exile. For Huayu Xuan, it was this that was hardest to accept.

Huayu Xuan forgot how he left Ichuan Fei’s mansion, his steps faltering, stumbling with uneven strides, his soul seemingly lost.

Ichuan Fei quietly observed his departing figure, eyes displaying indifference but ultimately overshadowed by the depth of emotion in his gaze.

He wasn’t heartless; he understood Huayu Xuan’s contributions and knew he once was his comrade.

Sighing deeply, Ichuan Fei continued to sort through documents. Shortly, a graceful and striking figure arrived before him, undeterred, leaned forward to gaze at him closely.

"Don’t block the light; it affects my reading." Ichuan Fei spoke without raising his head, calmly.

"How could I, when I shine brightly all over?" The figure responded in a soft and lively female voice.

"You’ve grown increasingly audacious," Ichuan Fei frowned slightly, raising his eyes to scrutinize the visitor.

"I’m worried about you, after all."

The woman named Liyang naturally sat beside him, resting her chin, gazing at him tenderly.

"I thought Huayu Xuan would certainly make a move, but turns out he’s a coward." Liyang remarked with a smile.

"Do you truly wish for him to attack me?"

"Not entirely, but if he dared assault you, I could kill him openly," Liyang squinted coldly, "Such treacherous individuals serve no purpose."

"He remains a comrade..."

"Comrade? When he was in contact with the Wu Family, he certainly didn’t regard you as such."

Liyang displayed a sarcastic expression.

"As long as no major trouble is caused, let’s leave it at that, no need for constant thoughts of violence." Ichuan Fei smiled slightly.