Green Mountain

The once-bustling Qiu Ci Street had lost all vitality. The only lingering presence was the distant wind carrying the scent of ash, whipping up red and green silk scarves that tumbled across the ground. The singers and dancers had long vanished without a trace.

War was as cruel as a biting cold wind. Wherever it swept, tree leaves fell from branches, grasslands withered to brown, and the vast expanse of the land became desolate and barren.

Chen Ji gripped the Whale Blade tightly, his gaze vigilant as he surveyed his surroundings, ears attuned to the faintest disturbances on the street.

Qi Zhenzhuo quickened his steps, sidling up to Chen Ji and whispering, "Chen Ji, in the past, it was my dog eyes looking down on you, my petty-minded thoughts at work. I hope you can be magnanimous and not hold it against me."

Chen Ji gave him a surprised glance but remained silent.

Qi Zhenzhuo brazenly continued, "Chen Ji, can you teach me how to fight?"

Chen Ji frowned. "No."

Qi Zhenzhuo hurriedly yelped, "Come on! In the future, when I serve alongside the Crown Prince, wherever you point east I’ll never go west, and wherever you point west I’ll never go east. I can officially become your disciple! The Yulin Army has instructors, but to be honest, yours is the skill I admire most—far better than theirs!"

Xiao Man, cradling Wu Yun in her arms, trotted closer. "How can someone be as shameless as you? My master already said no. Just earlier, you didn’t even like my master—don’t tell me you’re plotting something fishy again!"

Qi Zhenzhuo opened his mouth to protest but stopped himself. Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince interjected, "Vice Envoy Qi brings up a valid point. If we make it back to the Imperial Capital alive, the five thousand Yulin Army members serving at the Imperial Court might need a new instructor. I think the Right Guard would be quite fitting."

Chen Ji interrupted, "Your Highness, now is not the time for such conversations. If you wish to stay alive, follow me."