Martial Cultivator

Spring had arrived, but the Northern Frontier was still filled with wind and snow. Though it had lessened considerably, it still fell intermittently.

The farther south they traveled, the better the weather became. But in reality, it was still cold, though not as bitter as in the north. Yet, winter would always pass, whether objectively or subjectively.

The cultivators heading south appeared far more dejected compared to when they had first gone up north. Though they were all returning home safely, some of their clansmen and friends would forever remain in the desolate north.

A faint sense of sorrow lingered among the group.

The scholars from the academy who accompanied them also did not have pleasant expressions. Some of their students had perished during this journey, including disciples of their old friends. They were now thinking about how to explain these losses to their friends.

Wei Xu was not sitting inside the carriage but was instead driving it, watching the ever-changing scenery pass by, lost in his own thoughts.

At the rear of the convoy, inside one of the carriages, Xie Nandu sat across from Chen Chao. Xie Nandu was writing something with an ink brush, her head lowered. Chen Chao looked at her, as though wanting to say something but hesitating.

After some time, Xie Nandu finished her task, raised her head, and handed what she had written to Chen Chao.

"Memorize it."

Xie Nandu said softly, her voice not loud but carrying a tone that allowed no objections.

Chen Chao frowned as he looked at the small booklet in his hand. He found that it contained Xie Nandu's insights on the demon territory and the Northern Frontier, all based on the places she had visited and the records she had studied. Her conclusions were well-founded, and it could be said that if Xie Nandu were to join the Northern Frontier Army as a general, she would have little difficulty. Moreover, she had long proven her capabilities.

She was highly suited for leading troops into battle. The only issues were that she lacked prestige within the army and that she was a woman.

These two matters posed significant challenges.

Especially the latter, since there was still a prevailing bias against women in the world today.

Chen Chao said irritatedly, "I don't want to be the Great General, so why should I memorize this?"

Xie Nandu could not bothered to argue further, she simply said, "Memorize it."

Chen Chao sighed, reluctantly putting the booklet away, and said with a smile, "I'll memorize it when I have time. I'll give it back to you when I'm done."

Xie Nandu shook her head, "No need."

Since she had written it down, she had already committed all of it to memory and did not need to look at this booklet anymore.

Chen Chao muttered, "I really don't know how your brain works."

Xie Nandu responded, "I also don't know how yours works."

Knowing he could not win an argument with the woman in front of him, Chen Chao said nothing more. Instead, he pulled out a handkerchief and, mimicking Xie Nandu's tone, said, "Memorize this."

Xie Nandu took the handkerchief, frowning slightly because it was clearly a woman's handkerchief.

Chen Chao, feeling a bit guilty, turned his head away.

"What is this?” Xie Nandu asked.

Chen Chao replied, “It's a technique called Qi Observing Technique. It's very useful, but right now I think its greatest use is in helping you figure out if someone is lying.”

Xie Nandu frowned and asked, “Is this a secret art from the lineage of qi refiners?”

Chen Chao was surprised, “You even know that?"

There are many things recorded in the academy's library. Knowing about this isn't difficult,” Xie Nandu said calmly. “But this should be one of the most secretive methods of the qi refiners; not something that's passed down in the outside world.”

At this point, Chen Chao felt even more guilty.

In a soft voice, Xie Nandu said, “Did you kill a female qi refiner just for this secret technique?”

Chen Chao turned back, somewhat displeased. “Why do you view me that way?”

But he soon noticed Xie Nandu's expression and Chen Chao became deflated. “You tricked me.”

“It seems there was a woman who was quite fond of you. Care to tell me the full story?”

Xie Nandu spoke with a faint smile, but the look in her eyes became much sharper, like a sword about to be drawn.

Chen Chao gave a bitter smile and said, "There's no story, it's just..."

"Alright, no need to say it now. How about you tell me after I master this secret technique?"

Xie Nandu seemed rather indifferent.

Chen Chao waved his hand, but soon took the initiative to recount the events that had taken place in the desolate north.

A long time later, Xie Nandu asked, "Since you were told not to tell other people, why did you tell me?"

Chen Chao raised an eyebrow and replied matter-of-factly, "Do you count as other people?"

Xie Nandu smiled, handed the handkerchief back to him, and said calmly, "You can look at it yourself. I don't need it."

Chen Chao asked, "Are you angry?"

Xie Nandu shook her head.

Chen Chao breathed a sigh of relief. Although he could not fully grasp Xie Nandu's thoughts, since she said she was not angry, then she surely was not. There was no need to overthink it.

"Don't ask." Perhaps sensing that Chen Chao was about to inquire, Xie Nandu shook her head and said, "Don't ask."

She repeated the same sentiment twice, but her tone was noticeably softer the second time.

Chen Chao took back the handkerchief and tucked it into his bosom.

Xie Nandu raised an eyebrow and said, "Can't you copy it down and destroy the handkerchief?"

Chen Chao was stunned, he had never thought of that.

"Forget it, keeping it as a memento is fine too. Men always want to remember the people who treat them well."

Xie Nandu smiled, though her tone seemed to carry a hint of sourness?

Chen Chao felt that Xie Nandu was acting a little strange, but before he had time to ask anything, Xie Nandu said, "It seems that qi refiners have a very different view of the world than ordinary people."

Chen Chao replied, "They're always mysterious, but some of their methods are indeed quite impressive. Take this secret technique, for example. I wonder if I can even cultivate it."

Xie Nandu looked at him and said, "After this trip to the north, His Majesty seems to trust you a bit more?"

Chen Chao nodded. On matters like this, he saw no reason to hide from her.

"But it's a pity. The bond between you and your uncle will have to be tested again."

Xie Nandu stared into Chen Chao's eyes, an inexplicable emotion flickering in her gaze.

Chen Chao recalled what the Lord Warden Commander had told him earlier.

Without beating around the bush, Xie Nandu said calmly, "I've already received news. Recently, rumors have been spreading in the Divine Capital, likely targeting you. Your identity is about to be exposed."

Chen Chao's identity had always been a matter of concern for the various factions in the Divine Capital, including the foreign lands. Many had already vaguely guessed the truth, but no one had openly revealed it because there was no evidence. However, things were different now.

With rumors starting to circulate, they might either be quelled or confirmed.

The outcome would depend on what result could satisfy all the parties involved.

Xie Nandu said softly, "It's a very troublesome matter, perhaps even more dangerous than your time in the desolate north."

Chen Chao raised an eyebrow and said, "It seems like ever since I learned of this, I've already fallen into some trap."

"That's right."

Xie Nandu smiled and said, "You've improved a little."

Chen Chao asked, "Do you have a solution?"

"No."

Xie Nandu smiled and said, "I'm not an immortal. Oftentimes, I'm powerless against much of what happens in this world."

"Besides..."

Xie Nandu added softly, "This is a choice between you and your uncle."

Chen Chao asked, "Do you think he will kill me?"

Xie Nandu replied, "That's an answer you'll have to find on your own."

Chen Chao smiled and said indifferently, "I already know the answer."

Xie Nandu frowned slightly and said, "You shouldn't trust someone so easily."

"But blood is thicker than water. He's my biological uncle by blood."

Chen Chao smiled and looked at Xie Nandu in front of him.

"That elder brother of yours certainly didn't treat His Majesty as his uncle," Xie Nandu noticed that Chen Chao was getting closer and frowned slightly.

Chen Chao smiled, "He’s him, and I’m me."

"When I saw you that time, I took a gamble and won. This time, I'll win again. I have no doubt."

As he spoke, the distance between Chen Chao and Xie Nandu was less than an inch.

Xie Nandu frowned, saying, "Move away..."

Before she could finish, her mouth was already silenced.

She frowned slightly, feeling a certain someone's breath. Soon, she felt weak all over.

She reached her hand out, wanting to push him away. But when her hand rested on his chest, she found she had no strength left. So, she placed her hand on Chen Chao's shoulder instead.

After a long while, their lips parted, and Chen Chao whispered, "Last time you took advantage of me. This time, it's my turn."

Xie Nandu's cheeks flushed slightly. "Shameless."

But before she could say anything more, he pressed in again.

The woman exhaled softly like orchids, "Watch where you're touching."

……

……

At some point in time, it started raining outside the carriage.