Chapter 43
The Crimson Empire's capital had become exceptionally lively.
Today was no ordinary day.
It was the coronation of Crown Prince Hong Yuanji.
Nobles from across the empire had gathered.
Powerful clans arrived one after another.
Even cultivators hidden from the mortal world quietly appeared to witness the birth of a new emperor.
Meanwhile, a luxurious carriage slowly entered the capital.
The people on the streets instinctively moved aside.
Not because of the carriage itself.
But because of the emblem engraved upon it.
The emblem of the Zan Clan.
Inside the carriage sat Zan Yunxiao.
Beside him were his wives, Xueyun and Jin Feixue.
The two women leaned against him intimately, completely ignoring the outside world.
Sitting opposite them was Zan Wei.
His white hair and aged appearance gave him the bearing of a respected elder.
Zan Wei looked at his father and asked,
"Father, is it truly fine for you not to announce your presence to the imperial family?"
"After all, this is the coronation of your descendant."
Zan Yunxiao calmly replied,
"There is no need."
"You will represent the Zan Clan."
His voice remained indifferent.
A Soul Transformation cultivator appearing openly would only create unnecessary commotion.
Some things were better kept hidden.
Then Zan Yunxiao suddenly asked,
"What about the gift I prepared?"
Zan Wei immediately took out a jade box.
Opening it carefully, a fragrant medicinal aroma spread through the carriage.
Inside rested a single pill.
Its surface shimmered faintly with spiritual light.
This was no ordinary medicine.
A precious pill refined by the Alchemy Pavilion.
For mortals, consuming it could strengthen the body and extended life by 20 years.
For cultivators, it was even more valuable.
It significantly increased the chance of advancing into the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Even within the cultivation world, such a pill would be considered precious.
Zan Yunxiao nodded in satisfaction.
"Good."
As the future emperor and his descendant, Hong Yuanji naturally deserved a worthy gift.
Soon, the carriage stopped.
They had arrived at their destination.
The Jin Residence.
Before the carriage door even opened completely, an elderly figure hurried outside.
It was Jin Zhou.
Despite being over a hundred years old, becoming a cultivator had restored much of his vitality.
His back remained straight, and his eyes were full of spirit.
After receiving the Reconstruction Pill, his fate had completely changed.
He was no longer merely a general official.
Now, he served as the only one of the empire's Grand Generals.
The moment Jin Feixue stepped down from the carriage, she happily called out,
"Father!"
Jin Zhou's eyes immediately brightened.
"Feixue!"
The father and daughter embraced warmly.
A wide smile appeared on Jin Zhou's face.
The smile nearly reached his ears.
After all, without his daughter's marriage into the Zan Clan, he would have long since turned to dust.
Everything he possessed today had been granted by fate.
Or rather.
By the Zan Clan.
Suddenly, Jin Zhou looked around.
"Where's my granddaughter?"
He searched everywhere.
Yet no familiar figure appeared.
Jin Feixue smiled helplessly.
"Father, she's traveling the world."
"Don't worry."
"She's very strong."
Naturally, she was referring to Zan Feilan.
Hearing this, Jin Zhou simply nodded.
He knew very well how extraordinary his granddaughter was.
Because whenever Zan Yunxiao entered seclusion, Zan Feilan would occasionally visit the Jin Residence.
Sometimes she stayed for several days.
Sometimes only for a meal before leaving again.
More often than not, she came carrying her sword.
As for the reason.
It was simple.
She wanted to spar.
Unfortunately for her, her father, Zan Yunxiao, was either cultivating or in seclusion most of the time.
Unable to challenge her father, and unable to spar the disciples because of their strength gap. Zan Feilan instead sought out her grandfather.
And thus, poor Jin Zhou had become her regular sparring partner.
Of course, their "sparring" was heavily one-sided.
Jin Zhou still remembered how his granddaughter would smile brightly while saying.
"Grandfather, let's spar for a bit."
Then moments later.
He would be lying flat on the training ground.
Remembering those days, Jin Zhou couldn't help but laugh bitterly.
That little girl had long since grown into a powerful cultivator.
Even he no longer knew exactly how strong she had become.
Still, he was proud.
Very proud.
Then his gaze landed upon Zan Yunxiao.
His expression immediately became respectful.
He bowed deeply.
"Welcome, Patriarch and Lady Xueyun."
Zan Yunxiao and Xueyun merely nodded.
"Mm."
No unnecessary words.
Yet Jin Zhou felt honored nonetheless.
Soon, under Jin Zhou's guidance, the group entered the residence.
After they enter, servants quickly served tea and snacks.
For a while, the atmosphere was warm and peaceful as they chatted about the events of recent years.
Jin Zhou spoke about his duties as Grand General.
Jin Feixue talked about life within the Zan Clan.
Even Xueyun occasionally joined the conversation.
As for Zan Yunxiao, he mostly listened quietly.
After some time, Jin Zhou suddenly let out a sigh.
His expression became somewhat weary.
"To be honest, these past years haven't been peaceful."
"The barbarians on the northern border have become increasingly active."
He took a sip of tea before continuing.
"They constantly raid the border."
"If I weren't already a cultivator, our side would have suffered heavy casualties long ago."
Jin Zhou shook his head helplessly.
"Those barbarians are troublesome enough."
"But what's even more annoying are the rogue cultivators fighting for them."
"They attack our camps, kill a few soldiers, and immediately retreat before we can surround them."
"Then they repeat the same tactic over and over again."
Hearing this, Zan Yunxiao raised an eyebrow.
“Isn't that guerrilla warfare?”
Harassment tactics.
Hit and run.
Wear down the enemy slowly.
It was an effective strategy, especially against mortal armies.
Zan Yunxiao placed down his teacup.
"What exactly is happening at the border?"
The atmosphere in the room immediately grew more serious.
Jin Zhou glanced at the surroundings before lowering his voice.
"What I'm about to say is merely speculation."
"But I believe..."
"There will be war."
The room became silent.
Even Zan Wei's expression grew solemn.
Jin Zhou continued.
"Over the years, I planted spies among the barbarian tribes and several neighboring kingdoms."
"Recently, all of them have reported the same thing."
"The barbarian are recruiting cultivators."
"Mostly Qi Refinement cultivators."
"Likewise, several neighboring countries have begun increasing military recruitment."
His expression darkened.
"One kingdom preparing for war is concerning."
"Several kingdoms preparing simultaneously is dangerous."
"I reported everything to the former Emperor."
He sighed deeply.
"But before I could receive a response..."
"His Majesty passed away from old age."
The death of the emperor had delayed many state matters.
And now, the empire stood at a delicate transition of power.
Jin Zhou looked toward the imperial palace in the distance.
"I only hope the new emperor can take countermeasures quickly."
After a moment, Zan Yunxiao calmly spoke.
"So..."
"There is going to be a war."
Jin Zhou slowly nodded.
"Perhaps not this year."
"Perhaps not next year."
"But sooner or later."
"The flames of war will spread across the borders of the Crimson Empire."
Hearing this, Zan Yunxiao's eyes narrowed slightly.
The peaceful years seemed to be coming to an end.
And if war truly broke out.
The Zan Clan would inevitably be drawn into it.