Chapter 227
Xue Qingluan still felt the chill seep into her bones long after returning to her tent, the lingering fear refusing to fade. She couldn’t recall how she’d made her way back. Each time she closed her eyes, that icy stare flashed through her mind, making her tremble anew.
Yang Lingrui truly lacked cunning or skill in manipulating people’s minds. But the simple act of killing never failed. He neither wanted nor needed Xue Qingluan’s loyalty. All he needed was to keep her trapped in fear’s shadow.
After dismissing his new companion cultivator, Yang Lingrui walked toward the southwestern edge of Central Camp. A plantation sprawled there, filled with vegetation unique to the Eastern Wilderness. Similar plots existed wherever He Shenglai stayed – containing both spiritual plants and ordinary species extinct in Tiger-Chasing territory.
Since the land wars began, He Shenglai had withdrawn from battlefronts. Instead, he roamed conquered hills bearing the He Family’s name, gathering plants for cultivation at rear bases. Captured Eastern Wilderness cultivators now toiled in these fields – commoners couldn’t meet the He Family’s exacting standards.
Yang Lingrui found He Shenglai beneath an azure giant tree in the plantation’s western corner. The He Family heir performed a secret method, his palm glowing as sunlight made the leaves shift colors. Sand-like powder rained down as branches quivered. With a finger gesture, He Shenglai guided the dust into his waist pouch.
Yang Lingrui waited until the technique ended before approaching. "Lord He."
"You may call me He Shenglai if titles feel forced."
The younger man grinned. "Lord He suits my tongue better."
"Loyalty becomes you. The Yang Family prospers with such roots." He Shenglai’s lips curved slightly as they strolled through crops. "News travels fast. The Noble Family Order will reach Song Mountain within days."