Chapter 311 So Gentle, so Decisive
It was blowing hard in Zhongyuan.
The near-force-eight wind swept over Luojing City. The strong air current whistled in each of its corners.
It was stable in the city.
It was turbulent in the mountain.
All the trees on the mountain were rustling in the strong wind. Broken branches and fallen leaves were swept to the sky. Overlooking the hills from the above, one would see an immense forest—the sea of trees undulating in the wind, which seemed to topple the whole mountain.
Lights were burning in the villa on the top of the mountain.
The soft light was scattered on the huge white jade tea table in the living room, giving a mellow and delicate effect.
Dongcheng Hanguang sat opposite to Dongcheng Wudi.
An invitation card was on the tea-table between them. It was red on black, producing a strong visual impact.
The wind struck the antique and complicated lattice, whirring.
In the repressed and silent living room, Dongcheng Hanguang and Dongcheng Wudi looked at the invitation card on the tea-table quietly. They had been silent for a long time.
That was an invitation letter, which was jointly signed by the Sky Academy and the Deep-sea Academy.
The final maneuver would be held in a month. Dongcheng Wudi, who was the Director of the Decision Making Committee, the Minister of Army Headquarters, and the Commander of Border Control Corps, was specially invited.
Every time the two academies held the final maneuver, the military giants such as the Dongcheng Clan would receive the invitation letter.
But that time, the invitation letter on the table was more important than before.
Dongcheng Wudi squinted at the invitation card, peering sharply.
He had received the invitation letter that morning. It was sent to the Dongcheng Clan’s headquarters instead of the Army Headquarters of Youzhou.
In less than three hours afterwards, Dongcheng Wudi flew from Youzhou to Zhongyuan, and did not even have time for lunch.
Dongcheng Wudi was still waiting.
He was waiting for the intelligence he needed.
The final maneuver of the academies was a significant event in the Zhongzhou State. There were so many big shots every time.
During the last maneuver, a director of the Decision Making Committee, two army marshals and Gu Qianchuan, the First Elder of Kunlun City were personally present.
That year’s students were better than those from the year prior, in both strength and identity. Thus, it would be livelier.
The invitation letters had been delivered.
Whether they went or not, they had to reply.
Dongcheng Wudi was waiting for response letters from all sides.
It was intelligence, but it wasn’t confidential. Thus, it was not difficult to get the information.
Dongcheng Wudi looked at the invitation letter in front of him.
The invitation was thin.
However, its importance depended on the response letters from all sides.
The wind outside the window was stronger.
The strong wind was roaring in the mountains, with a sharp and harsh sound.
There was no rain in Zhongyuan that day.
In the early summer, it was cold in Zhongyuan because of the fierce wind.
Dongcheng Hanguang stood up and walked to the window, looking down at the rolling hills outside.
A mass of leaves and branches rose and fell in the wind. As the storm passed by, the area was in chaos.
For the Dongcheng Clan, it was a little bleak in the early summer.
The old man’s sigh and the phone ring sounded at the same time.
Dongcheng Hanguang turned back.
Dongcheng Wudi took out the phone and answered.
“Marshal, I figured it out.”
On the phone, Thunder God’s voice sounded. In the Dongcheng Clan, Thunder God seemed to be Dongcheng Wudi’s guard, which was similar to the Chief Bodyguard. However, he had all the intelligence forces of the Dongcheng Clan secretly. He was one of the core characters.
Dongcheng Wudi calmly replied, “How’s it going?”
The wind outside the window became increasingly fierce.
In silence, Dongcheng Hanguang looked at his son, who was answering the phone.
While the high-pitched whistling sound pervaded the place, Thunder God reported in a regular sequence with a dull and clear voice. Dongcheng Wudi became solemn and gloomy.
Thunder God spoke for five minutes.
Dongcheng Wudi listened silently. He merely said, “Oh,” and hung up the phone.
Dongcheng Hanguang went over and asked in a weary voice, “How are things?”
Dongcheng Wudi frowned, thought for a while, and said in a heavy voice, “There have been replies from all sides. Wang Tianzong and Gu Xingyun have confirmed to attend the maneuver personally. What’s more, all great martial forces and special warfare organizations will send representatives for the maneuver.”
Dongcheng Hanguang raised his eyebrow, “Which Director will be present this time?”
“The issue hasn’t been discussed yet.”
Dongcheng Wudi shook his head, “If there is no accident, it should be Chen Fangqing. The president may be there in person.”
Chen Fangqing.
He was the prime minister of the Zhongzhou Cabinet and a flagship character of the Prince Group. If he went to the maneuver site personally, with Wang Tianzong and Gu Xingyun, the maneuver of the two academies that time would be comparable to the one that took place in the first year of its establishment.
Most important of all was Wang Tianzong, Gu Xingyun, and Chen Fangqing.
If those three went to the scene, it meant that the Southeast Group, the Special Warfare Group, and the Prince Group were entirely combined. Was that a kind of resolution?
“Will Tianlan be all right?” Dongcheng Hanguang suddenly asked after he paused for a while.
...
Dongcheng Wudi’s hand, holding the cell phone, trembled. He did not speak for a long time.
It was not necessary to answer the question.
The final maneuver seemed to be a fight for mastery of the younger generation. However, it faintly became a battlefield of all the superpowers form the Zhongzhou State, given that Li Tianlan had returned, then Wang Shengxiao and Gu Hanshan had joined the Phantom Palace and the Three Thousand World respectively.
Wang Shengxiao was supported by the Southeast Group and the Wang family of Beihai.
Gu Hanshan was supported by the Special Warfare Group and Kunlun City.
Li Tianlan was supported by the Giant Group and Sigh City.
Those three people were young Heavenly Sons, who could reach the Invincible Realm in the Zhongzhou State. If their identities were not sensitive, the final maneuver would not be as lively.
The war in the Dark World was escalating almost every day.
Under such circumstances, Wang Tianzong and Gu Xingyun decided to go to the site personally.
Behind that decision, everyone could clearly smell a deep and rich killing intent.
Gu Hanshan and Wang Shengxiao joined the Three Thousand World and the Phantom Palace respectively, after Li Tianlan had returned.
They might become opponents.
Beyond doubt, the biggest opponent was Li Tianlan.
When the main force of the East Emperor Palace was seriously injured, Li Tianlan, who was more famous than Wang Shengxiao and Gu Hanshan, would absolutely become their target.
Wang Tianzong and Gu Xingyun had personally appeared to suppress everyone with their strength and influence.
They just wanted to see Li Tianlan die in the maneuver area.
“Will Tianlan be all right?”
That question did not need to be answered.
Dongcheng Wudi did not dare to answer.
“What are you going to do?” Dongcheng Hanguang softly asked after he paused for a while.
...
The old man still sounded calm. Behind the calmness was countless complex emotions.
“I will go to the scene in person,” Dongcheng Wudi said in a deep voice.
...
Dongcheng Hanguang looked at him quietly. He saw resolution from Dongcheng Wudi’s eyes.
However...
“Is that useful?” Dongcheng Hanguang asked.
...
Dongcheng Wudi rubbed the mobile phone in his hand and calmed down, “Until then, the two highnesses of Sigh City will head to the scene.”
“Is that useful?” Dongcheng Hanhuang asked the same question.
...
The first question was to express doubt.
The second question carried a suffocating pressure.
It was also not necessary to answer the question.
In the face of absolute force, a more powerful force was useful.
...
“Dad, I have confidence in Tianlan. Even if he can’t win in the final maneuver, it won’t be difficult for him to protect himself.”
Dongcheng Wudi said huskily, “I really don’t believe that Gu Xingyun and Wang Tianzong would dare to attack him personally. After all, Senior Li is still there.”
“Senior Li... My biggest concern is that.”
Dongcheng Hanguang softly said, “Because of Senior Li, Wang Tianzong and Gu Xingyun are taking Tianlan seriously. Senior Li is in a bad state now, but he is powerful enough. Both the Wang families of Beihai and Kunlun City don’t want to provoke him. However, it does not mean that they can’t annoy him. Confronting Senior Li, either of them will pay a heavy price. If they join hands, they may destroy the Li family. Even if there is a loss, it’s not unacceptable.”
“They’ll really join hands?”
Dongcheng Wudi was extremely excited, “How is that possible?”
“Nothing is impossible.”
Dongcheng Hanguang said indifferently, “They didn’t join hands because Senior Li doesn’t have much time, and they did not take Tianlan seriously. Thus, even if they want to do so, they need a reason.
“Simply speaking, they don’t think that Tianlan is a threat. Thus, they will just wait for Senior Li to die. After that, the so-called Li family will naturally vanish in one stroke.
“But what if Tianlan is so powerful that they feel threatened?” Dongcheng Hanguang suddenly asked.
...
Dongcheng Wudi’s face changed.
Li Tianlan, being so powerful that Wang Tianzong and Gu Xingyun would feel threatened...
Let’s not mention the probability.
If that were possible, the consequences would become unpredictable.
“I have a hunch.”
At that moment, Dongcheng Hanguang suddenly thought of Great Master Wuwei’s suspicious death and Li Tianlan’s resurrection three years ago. He could not tell how he felt, but he only had a vague presentiment.
His voice sounded worried because of that kind of foreboding. “Perhaps now all the people will pay little attention to Tianlan. In the final maneuver, he’ll probably surprise all of them. I’m not worried about him being too weak. On the contrary, I’m worried that he is too strong. I think that if he wants to protect himself, he’d better lose the maneuver. If he wins... Wang Tianzong and Gu Xingyun will have a reason to join hands because of his prowess.”
Dongcheng Wudi finally produced a forced smile.
“Tianlan can’t lose,” he said.
...
He did not need to communicate with Li Tianlan about that question.
The consequences might be severe if he won, but Li Tianlan could not afford the consequences if he lost.
Once he lost the final maneuver, even if the Sky Academy was willing to give Li Tianlan a chance, Wang Tianzong and Gu Xingyun would not continue to agree with him to stay at school.
So what if he continued to stay at school?
Li Tianlan would still be unable to win in the maneuver three years later.
Once it ended like that, the East Emperor Palace might be immediately disbanded. Without foundation, it would be tough for Li Tianlan to rise, even though he was the Young Governor of Sigh City and the Dongcheng Clan supported him. The best outcome might be for him to withdraw into a passive defense in the Northeast of Sigh City.
So by then, Li Tianlan could only advance, never retreat. No matter what difficulties he faced, he had to move forward.
Since he had appeared in the Sky Academy for the first time, retreat was not an option.
“How about him coming to the military to develop?” Dongcheng Hanguang asked.
...
“It’s useless.”
Dongcheng Wudi shook his head, “I know what he’s going to do. He’s afraid that he owes us too much, or he doesn’t want to trouble us. Thus, he’s unlikely to come to the military.”
Dongcheng Hanguang nodded and replied, “So, what are you going to do?”
As his heart sank, Dongcheng Wudi subconsciously looked up at Dongcheng Hanguang.
Dongcheng Hanguang’s eyes were calm and deep. He saw resolution in Dongcheng Wudi’s eyes.
However, Dongcheng Wudi was somewhat hesitant.
The phone rang again.
An unfamiliar number appeared on Dongcheng Wudi’s phone display.
He raised his eyebrows and connected the phone. “Hello!”
“Marshal Dongcheng?”
On the phone, a low-pitched and pleasant male voice sounded, appearing steady and calm.
“It’s me.”
Dongcheng Wudi said lightly, “Who’s that?”
“This is the Military Counselor.”
The man on the phone chuckled.
Military Counselor...
The Military Counselor of the Samsara Palace!
Dongcheng Wudi was suddenly shocked. He glanced at his father and turned the speaker. He calmly said, “What’s the matter?”
...
After the final battle of Heaven Capital, the Samsara Palace had retreated from the Zhongzhou State. In the past three years, the Dongcheng Clan had never touched any aggressive people of the Samsara Palace, not to mention the Super Master of the Samsara like the Military Counselor.
“Marshal, the Palace Master wants to borrow something from you,” the Military Counselor gently said.
...
Dongcheng Hanguang stared at Dongcheng Wudi, saying, “Who the f**k is he?”
“The Palace Master wants a batch of ‘Minghe,’ about 20 in number. Marshal, can you endure pains silently to give away what you love?” The Military Counselor’s voice grew deeper and gentler.
...
Minghe.
It turned out to be Minghe!
Dongcheng Hanguang suddenly stood up.
He stared at the phone as if he had seen a ghost.
“You have spies in the Dongcheng Clan.”
Dongcheng Wudi clenched his teeth and began to think of names of some core figures of the Dongcheng Clan Arsenal.
Minghe was among the Dongcheng Clan’s latest research findings. It was not a gun but a liquid biological bomb. With strong corrosivity and nerve poison, it could be considered as a biochemical weapon. A share of Minghe was about 500 grams. Once ignited, an area with a radius of nearly 100 meters would become a dead space. In the blast area, even experts at the peak of the Thunder-shocking Realm would be unable to withstand for a long time.
Most importantly, Minghe had just been produced only two months prior, and it was still in the commissioning phase. In the Dongcheng Clan, not many people knew of that matter.
Even Dongcheng Wujin, who was developing a new generation of armor alloy, did not know of Minghe.
Minghe was a liquid bomb with destructive aesthetics. After innumerable hardships, the Dongcheng Clan had found several experts, who had spent many years in developing such top technology. How could the Samsara Palace know of their research achievements so quickly?
A few names of the people who knew the Minghe Bomb went through Dongcheng Wudi’s mind.
Anyway, they were unlikely to betray the Dongcheng Clan and leak the secret.
“Marshal, you’re mistaken.”
The Military Counselor said with a smile, “We knew of it by accident, so we want to borrow some. Marshal, take it easy. The Samsara Palace can be enemies with anyone, but we will always be friends with the Dongcheng Clan.”
Dongcheng Wudi took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.
He stared at the phone for a long while and slowly said, “Why should we lend you Minghe? The Dongcheng Clan only has 20 portions of Minghe in stock.”
“For Li Tianlan’s future,” the Military Counselor lightly replied.
...
The reason was straightforward, but it was enough to convince Dongcheng Wudi.
His face changed for a long time. He sneered and said, “Does Tianlan have a future?”
“Of course.”
The Military Counselor affirmatively said, “There is no doubt.”
“Really? What if Gu Xingyun and Wang Tianzong launch attacks personally in the final maneuver? Will your Palace Master help him?” Dongcheng Wudi said with a sneer.
...
The Military Counselor paused for a while, and calmly said, “Marshal, don’t worry. Tianlan will be fine. Even if Wang Tianzong and Gu Xingyun want to launch attacks, they would only have a chance.”
“I can’t tell you more. I can only say that Minghe is very important for our plan and Tianlan’s future. Marshal, if you’re willing to spare some Minghe, I’ll send someone to the Dongcheng Clan to fetch it.”
The Military Counselor said it quietly. He hung up the phone before Dongcheng Wudi replied.
In a short time, the phone rang again.
There was not enough time for Dongcheng Wudi to talk with Dongcheng Hanguang. He looked at the phone number with annoyance and immediately connected the call.
“M... Marshal...”
On the phone, an excited and tongue-shy voice sounded.
“What’s up?”
Dongcheng Wudi was a little astonished.
“Bai... Secretary Bai is coming.”
On the phone, the man kept breathing deeply. “They have gone up the mountain. Will you serve them?”
“Qingqian?”
A flicker of desolation was in Dongcheng Wudi’s eyes.
“Yes. Two Bai Secretaries are here.”
Dongcheng Wudi did not respond for a moment. When he wanted to ask who the two Bai secretaries were, Dongcheng Hanguang suddenly changed his face.
“Two Bai Secretaries? Bai Zhanfang?!”
“Right.”
On the phone, the man reported clearly and directly, “It’s Governor Bai.”
Dongcheng Hanguang and his son changed their countenances at the same time.
They looked at each other, wore their coats, and walked straight out of the villa.
On the mountain top, the fierce wind was howling.
They saw a black Audi with a Youzhou license plate going up the mountain slowly.
Two Bai Secretaries...
Dongcheng Wudi and Dongcheng Hanguang grimaced.
They both knew who was coming that time. In the Bai family, there were only two Bai Secretaries.
One was the No. 1 of Guandong Province, Bai Qingqian.
The other was Bai Qingqian’s father and a commissioner of the Zhongzhou Decision Making Committee, the top leader of Youzhou, Bai Zhanfang!
He was Dongcheng Hanguang’s old friend and Dongcheng Wudi’s father-in-law.
In their memory, Bai Zhanfang had once gone there in the past 20 years. It was the time when Dongcheng Rushi was just born.
Later, Bai Qingqian broke ties with the Dongcheng Clan. The exchange between the Bai family and the Dongcheng Clan became less and less. Currently, they had almost lost contact with each other in private, except when it involved movements in politics which they did together.
At the moment, the patriarch of the Bai family had gone to Zhongyuan in person. Although he went there silently, Dongcheng Wudi could clearly feel that he did not do so with good intentions.
In the bitter mountain wind, the Audi went all the way up, not too hasty nor too slowly.
It finally stopped before Dongcheng Hanguang and Dongcheng Wudi.
Dongcheng Wudi wanted to open the car door personally.
Dongcheng Hanguang, who was out of sorts, moved forward and opened the door.
Bai Qingqian, who was charming in manner, elegant and noble, walked out of the car briskly. Her bright smile suddenly lit up the gloomy sky and dispelled the gale.
“Dad, what are you doing? If someone else saw this, they would think that I’m unfilial. Wudi will definitely swear at me at night.”
Bai Qingqian, wearing a clean and tidy suit, stood in front of Dongcheng Hanguang. Her face turned crimson as if she were a little embarrassed.
Dongcheng Hanguang stared blankly in situ.
He seemed to have lost all reaction. In silence, he looked at Bai Qingqian, who gently smiled.
He was strange and familiar with this daughter-in-law.
She looked like Bai Qingqian 20 years ago. At that time, she had not yet broken with the Dongcheng Clan.
...
Then, she and Dongcheng Wudi fell deeply in love and respected each other as guests. Being lovable and gentle, she was the most popular Mistress in the Dongcheng Clan.
Dongcheng Hanguang was in a trance. All of a sudden, the haze of more than 20 years ago was like a dream.
“Long time no see, Senior Leader.”
A gentle voice rang in his ear.
Dongcheng Hanguang came to his senses.
Standing in front of him was an old man, who was plainly dressed.
With light senile plaques, the senior man was slightly smaller and wore plain clothes. He seemed to be an ordinary farmer who was living on two acres of cropland.
However, nobody dared to belittle that senior in the Zhongzhou State.
In the past 20 years, he had been elected as a member of the Decision Making Committee for four consecutive terms. He had been the top leader of Youzhou for 15 years. Although Bai Zhanfang did not advance, he never retreated and became firmer as he grew old. Over 15 years, his influence had permeated into everything in Youzhou. In private, Bai Zhanfang had an impressive nickname—Governor of Youzhou, signifying that he was monstrous.
Dongcheng Hanguang smiled bitterly and held Bai Zhanfang’s hands tightly. He sighed with emotion, “Zhanfang, how long has it been since we last saw each other? Why did you suddenly come to Zhongyuan?”
“Qingqian kept thinking about your birthday, so she took me here on purpose. In order to pick a gift for you, she strolled in Youzhou for three days. You’re age neatly rounds up decades this year, so I have to come to congratulate you on your birthday personally,” Bai Zhanfang said with a smile.
...
“Good.”
Bai Qingqian stepped forward and took his arm gently, while Dongcheng Wudi’s eyes were startled. She said with a smile, “We are not guests here, so please don’t stand on ceremony. It’s pretty windy outside, so let’s go in and talk.”
She looked at the dull Dongcheng Wudi and tenderly smiled, “Is there any food at home? I’ll cook a delicious dinner tonight for you and Dad. I’ll stay at home these days, and I’ll go back to Guanzhong in a few days.”
Dongcheng Wudi looked at his wife quietly as if it were the past.
Bai Qingqian’s performance was gentle and natural.
There was only calmness deep in her eyes.
Dongcheng Wudi’s heart kept sinking.
“Qingqian, you...”
He opened his mouth.
Bai Qingqian suddenly shook his head and whispered, “You don’t need to say anything. You know why I’m here. I know what you’ll say. Since it is so, don’t say it, to avoid spoiling everyone’s mood.”
She took Dongcheng Wudi’s arm and went in to the villa.
Her body was soft and warm.
However, Dongcheng Wudi felt as if the air around him were bone-chilling cold, and he could scarcely breathe.
“I’m a useless woman, but I always want to do something. I don’t know the final result, but it’s enough if I do what I have to do.”
Bai Qingqian lightly said, “Am I right?”
Ning Qiancheng could not speak for a moment.
At that moment, he thoroughly understood Bai Qingqian’s purpose in coming.
She was extremely gentle jut then.
However, she had never been that fierce and determined over the past 20 years.
It was less than one month before the final maneuver of the two academies.
Li Tianlan’s future remained problematic, and his whereabouts were unknown.
She went to the Dongcheng Clan in the most gentle and obedient manner.
Such a manner might be a new beginning.
It might also be the most thorough end.
Dongcheng Wudi looked at Bai Qingqian.
Bai Qingqian was as graceful as a swan.
Dongcheng Wudi saw the madness, which was weak but enough to burn everything.
At that moment, he thoroughly understood.
...
If Li Tianlan had an accident one month later, Bai Qingqian would not ask why.
...
...
...
If an accident occurred, he and she, the Bai family and the Dongcheng Clan would become enemies.
They would be enemies unless a faction died!
It was so gentle and decisive.
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