Chapter 943: You Guys Should Just Follow Behind!

　　At dusk, Yan Qing hurriedly came back from outside and went straight to the main hall. As soon as he entered the room, he saw Rong Xiu sitting leisurely by the window as he played chess. He paid his respects immediately. “Master.”

　　“Mm,” replied Rong Xiu without even lifting his head. He seemed to be considering his next move as he stared at the chessboard. “How did the investigation go?”

　　“I’ve managed to obtain a portion of the evidence, and I’ll be able to get the rest once the time is right!”

　　Rong Xiu nodded in satisfaction. “I’ve never needed to worry about the way you work. Just leave it aside for now.”

　　“Understood!” Yan Qing then got up and stood aside, but he couldn’t resist glancing at his master again out of curiosity at the thought of the rumors he heard when he came back. Master always has his reasons for doing things, so I suppose it’s the same for this time as well…

　　“Just shoot your questions.”

　　After a brief hesitation, Yan Qing finally asked, “Master, are the rumors about you selecting the Princess Consort on your birthday celebration… true?”

　　“Of course, it is. Ming Yao doesn’t have the guts to spread rumors about me.” Rong Xiu hooked his lips up meaningfully. Besides, it was my intention to spread the news. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have spread so fast and wide.

　　Yan Qing was perplexed, however. “But Madam…”

　　“It just so happens that I want to settle this matter as soon as possible.” The chess piece in Rong Xiu’s hand landed on the chessboard with a thud. Like two dragons killing off each other, the black and white chess pieces were clearly separated on the chessboard. When that chess piece landed, it was like the black dragon had beheaded the white dragon, and it marked a clean end to the game.

　　“I’ve been very lonely all these years. The Princess Consort position is hers to begin with, so it’s better to give it to her as soon as possible.” Rong Xiu’s eyes were filled with amusement as he leaned back. This way, she can come to my side sooner and proudly stand side by side with me. Those people can stop fantasizing about the impossible too!

　　…

　　Beiming Dynasty, Lin Zhou.

　　After a night of hard work, Chu Liuyue finally stopped what she was doing when the first ray of morning light shone in through the window. Floating in front of her was a huge silver barrier, and if one looked carefully, they would notice that it was formed from countless strands of silver light in an intricate yet beautiful pattern.

　　Clearly, it was a replica of the barrier at the Beiming Dynasty’s border. Even the various Xuan formations’ patterns were clearly visible.

　　Chu Liuyue had actually copied it to a T.

　　Although her face was slightly pale, her eyes were twinkling with excitement.

　　This wasn’t actually her first attempt at replicating a ninth-grade Xuan formation. When she was still an eighth-grade Xuan Master, her cultivation level was stuck at that stage for a long time. While she didn’t manage to reach the ninth grade, she had studied many ninth-grade Xuan formations during that time, which helped build the strong foundation she had today. That said, this was the first time she managed to successfully construct one.

　　Knock, knock.

　　Someone knocked on the door from outside.

　　“Your Majesty, it’s time for us to leave for the palace,” said Wen Fan.

　　“Noted.” With a wave of her arm, the replicated barrier in front of her instantly dissolved into small rays of silver light and disappeared. She then got up, washed up, and changed into a clean set of clothes before leaving the room.

　　…

　　Wen Fan hurriedly bowed at Chu Liuyue when he saw her come out. He sneaked a quick glance at her and realized from her sparkling eyes that she seemed to be in good spirits. It seems that she wasn’t affected by what happened yesterday. On top of that, her aura seems to have gotten a little stronger as well…

　　He couldn’t help but be surprised by this. I heard that she used to be a genius with the rare Tianjing Yuan meridian, but she was unfortunately harmed by others and only managed to return with great difficulty. Contrary to expectations, it doesn’t seem like she’s worse off than before…

　　Wen Fan pushed his thoughts aside and then respectfully showed Chu Liuyue out.

　　Upon receiving the news, Elder Chen Ke and the others came out one after another as well.

　　The horse carriage from yesterday was already waiting outside, and it immediately left for the palace as soon as they all got in.

　　…

　　However, they didn’t expect to run into the Taiyu Dynasty’s people after leaving the street and turning a corner. Wen Fan—who sat in the front—saw Yin Hao right away, and vice versa.

　　The latter’s face darkened when he recalled what happened yesterday. Fuming, he spat a mouthful of saliva on the ground. “Tch, what a coincidence indeed. Our horse carriage was arranged in front of yours, so we have the right to go first. Hurry up and make way, Wen Fan!”

　　Having been bullied for years, Wen Fan instinctively wanted to avoid Yin Hao and give way when he saw the latter flare up. But just as he took a step backward, he heard someone laughing behind him. He then froze as he recalled what Shangguan Yue told him yesterday.

　　Knowing that she would be there to bear all responsibility, he puffed up his chest and lifted his chin as he stared Yin Hao down. “I’m sorry, but our side of the street is closer to the palace, so we ended up being in front of you when we came out. Although your horse carriage was in front of ours yesterday, there’s no need to worry about the order of arrival since everyone is heading in the same direction. It’ll be more troublesome if we have to make way for you.”

　　Then, he lifted the long whip in his hand.

　　A resounding smack was heard when the whip landed.

　　“You guys should just follow behind! Giddy-up!”