Chapter 279: Private Discusion
Hua Yuyu’s expression turned cold as he said, "Last time he gave out a bounty for Miss Bai’s life, Bu Gui Pavilion refused his bounty. The weapons these men carried... they belong to a large underground organization. Looks like someone accepted the bounty regardless of the Bu Gui Pavilion’s intervention."
Gao Gong pondered for a moment before asking, "Xue Wu Gang?"
Hua Yuyu nodded. "It should be. In recent years, Xue Wu Gang has been the only organization that dares to go against the Bu Gui Pavilion. Since the Bu Gui Pavilion rejected Bai Yansheng’s bounty, the only one who will accept it is the Xue Wu Gang."
After he said that, Hua Yuyu paused for a second before adding, "If it really is Xue Wu Gang, they will surely strike again. We need to be ready before they come."
"Yes, Captain."
Just then, headlights cut through the darkness.
The roar of an engine drew closer, attracting Hua Yuyu and Gao Gong’s attention. Soon, they saw Bao Shengjie’s head leaning out of a window.
Waving at the two of them, he said, "Brother Yu, Brother Gong, let’s go!"
Hua Yuyu closed his fist around the charred emblem and walked toward the car, followed by Gao Gong.
After they climbed into the car, Bao Shengjie pressed on the accelerator. As the car sped away, the charred street was left behind—along with the smell of roasted flesh in the air.
Meanwhile, in one of the bedrooms of Jiang Yinqi’s villa, Bai Hanyun sat on the bed, holding the antique mirror.
Gazing into its surface, she asked, "Feng Xiyan, is it still raining there?"
Facing the bronze mirror, Feng Xiyan looked at it and nodded. "Yes. Although it’s getting lighter, the rain hasn’t stopped."
Hearing this, Bai Hanyun reminded him, "We don’t know how long the rain will last. You should prepare in case the prolonged rainfall triggers a mudslide. Without plants or trees to hold the soil, the risk is very high."
Feng Xiyan nodded. "Thank you for the reminder, Fairy Bai. Xiyan will have the soldiers patrol the surrounding areas."
After discussing these matters, Feng Xiyan hesitated for a moment before asking, "Fairy Bai, would you like to see the situation here for yourself?"
At his question, Bai Hanyun’s eyes lit up. A second later, she calmed down and replied, "But it’s still raining outside."
Smiling, Feng Xiyan gently assured her, "It’s fine."
Curious to see Xiqiang City’s situation firsthand, Bai Hanyun agreed. "Alright. But put on a cloak or raincoat. Don’t catch a cold."
Delighted by her concern, Feng Xiyan quickly donned his raincoat and stepped out of his tent, carrying the bronze mirror in his hand. Activating his lightness skill, he kicked off the ground and soared into the air.
As the view below shrank, Bai Hanyun’s eyes widened in awe. "Whoa, this is so fast! Feng Xiyan, your lightness skill is amazing!"
Her praise lifted his spirits. Showing Bai Hanyun the surroundings, Feng Xiyan smiled and replied softly, "Thank you, Fairy Bai."
After circling Xiqiang City once, Feng Xiyan landed on the watchtower on top of the northern city wall.
From the high vantage point, Bai Hanyun could see far into the distance.
Looking at the scenery outside the city, she suddenly said, "The Feng Army’s soldiers and the people in Xiqiang City now have water, food, clothing, and shelter. But what about those outside?"
Hearing this, Feng Xiyan’s expression grew solemn, with a hint of sorrow.
He fell silent for a moment before replying softly, "The latest report I received said that cannibalism is now a common occurrence out there. People even trade their children just to survive."
"When there’s no way for people to survive, human morality has collapsed. Moreover, the corrupt imperial court only cares about its own profit."
Listening to what he said, Bai Hanyun went quiet. After a long pause, she calmly asked, "Feng Xiyan, why haven’t you rebelled?"
Her question stunned him. ’What does she mean? Is she trying to get me to rebel? Isn’t rebellion against the will of Heaven?’
Before he could respond, Bai Hanyun continued, "You said the imperial court is corrupt and the people are suffering. Throughout history, when rulers are incompetent, the people rise up to protect themselves and search for a way to survive."
"Now that your Feng Army has supplies, weapons, and armor. All you lack is a just cause and the right moment. If you truly want to save the common people, you have only one choice—rebellion."
After stating her mind, Bai Hanyun then waited patiently for Feng Xiyan’s answer.
When she thought he would remain silent, Feng Xiyan finally said, "Fairy Bai is right. To be honest, Xiyan has been planning this for years. But the time is not yet ripe, and Xiyan still lacks an excuse."
Bai Hanyun considered his words, then asked, "So you have already made preparations?"
Feng Xiyan nodded. "Yes. We currently have 38,000 troops, which is still too few to face the Yu Empire’s imperial army."
"However, we currently hold over 60,000 war prisoners from the Jin Empire. If we can win their loyalty and integrate them into the Feng Army, we will have enough soldiers to start the rebellion."
Rubbing her chin, Bai Hanyun fell into thought. After a moment, her eyes flickered as she asked, "Feng Xiyan, has it rained anywhere else in recent years?"
Shaking his head, Feng Xiyan replied, "No. This rainfall, brought by the Artificial Rain Cannon, is the first in more than two years."
Hearing this, Bai Hanyun’s lips curved into a smirk. "What do you think will happen if people witness you summoning rain?"
Her words made Feng Xiyan’s eyes gleam with realization. "Fairy Bai, your idea is brilliant. Xiyan will make arrangements as soon as this rain ends."
Bai Hanyun nodded and added, "Before creating rain again, make sure to check the soil. If the water level is high, wait a few days before bringing more rain. In the meantime, spread the news. Perhaps, we can draw more people to join the Feng Army."
"Alright. Xiyan will follow your advice, Fairy Bai." Feng Xiyan responded with a smile and admiration in his voice.
As they continued discussing their plans, Hua Yuyu, Gao Gong, and Bao Shengjie finally returned.