Chapter 69

Give it to you? Who are you?

The leader eyed Lu Xingfeng suspiciously.

One of his subordinates took a close look, his face lit up with joy, and said to the leader, "This is the senior elder brother of the Tian Shu sect! Even the sect head is his junior sister!"

The leader hastily bowed, saying, "My apologies, my apologies—are you really willing to help us?"

Lu Xingfeng said, "Of course, I imagine what you need to do isn't simple—tell me about it."

The other party dismounted and told him the secret mission assigned by the court and the corresponding reward.

Upon hearing that rescuing the prince of Yu State would earn him a third‑rank official position in Yu State's court, and that capturing Xiao Qidi, who was also at Xituan Pass, could additionally make him the state preceptor, his eyes lit up instantly.

"So, can you handle this?" the other party asked.

Lu Xingfeng wore a proud, cold smile and said, "For me, it's as easy as catching something in hand. That tiny, remote border pass—my martial prowess lets me move through it as if no one were there."

The other party was overjoyed and replied, "Then we'll await your good news."

After speaking, he handed over to Lu Xingfeng the several heavy gift crates he had brought, which Sect Leader Ye had refused to accept.

Lu Xingfeng stacked the several crates that would require three horses to haul, lifted them effortlessly with one hand, and then, amid the astonished and admiring gazes of the onlookers, he employed his lightness skill and departed calmly.

These few secret emissaries from the court felt as if a great burden had been lifted.

With such a martial‑arts master on the job, the task assigned from above will surely be accomplished!

Lu Xingfeng took the several crates of gifts back to his lodging, then secretly selected a few trusted, highly skilled disciples from the Tian Shu sect, ordering them to set out at once, sparing no expense to bring the Yu State prince and Xiao Qidi out of Xituan Pass for him.

He also promised that, once he became the state preceptor of Yu State, he would certainly elevate those trusted aides to great heights and rapid promotion.

Meanwhile, at Xituan Pass...

The soldiers were busy moving the supplies that Ning Jinli had sent today; after sorting them out, they loaded them onto wagon trains to send them out of the pass.

This batch of supplies mainly consisted of farming tools, which she had specially provided to the Medicine King Valley to help the Lian clan restore their medicinal herb cultivation.

With these items, progress can be sped up.

Ning Jinli stood on the city wall, watching the wagon train disappear into the distance, and happily told Xiao Qidi, who stood beside her, that her factory had already produced its first batch of clothing, shoes, and daily necessities.

Furthermore, she had the factory manager apply for licenses to produce cold weapons and specialized labor protective gear.

If successful, she would be able to continually supply this place with combat equipment, allowing Xiao Qidi's forces to expand further.

Xiao Qidi listened quietly, his eyes unintentionally falling on her lips.

They were small and plump, like tempting, glossy red fruit.

"What's wrong? Do I have something on my face?" Ning Jinli noticed his gaze.

"No," Xiao Qidi glanced away and said lightly, "I was thinking of merging Xituan Pass and the surrounding Linxian Village into Linxian City."

Ning Jinli nodded repeatedly, "That's a great idea! Oh right, I almost forgot to tell you something."

"What is it?"

I need to recommend someone to you.

"Who?"

It's the patrol guard captain you almost cut down earlier, Qi Zhan.

"Oh?" Xiao Qidi gave a meaningful look and asked, "Why recommend him?"

Ning Jinli wore a serious expression and said, "Let me tell you, he's no ordinary person—you absolutely must make good use of him!"

Xiao Qidi replied, "He's indeed not ordinary; I've already promoted him to commander of the Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor unit."

"A mere commander isn't enough," Ning Jinli hurriedly added, then gave a brief summary of what the historical records say about Qi Zhan.

This made Xiao Qidi's eyes widen in surprise.

After a moment's thought, Xiao Qidi said, "If that's the case, I'd like to test his abilities."

"Someone, go summon Qi Zhan."

After the order was given, not long later Qi Zhan arrived, bowing respectfully before him.

Xiao Qidi got straight to the point: "I have a task for you—do you have the guts to take it?"

Qi Zhan clasped his fists and declared, "Even if it means climbing blades and plunging into fire, spilling my liver and brains, I will not shy away."

"Good," Xiao Qidi said, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly, "I'll give you a thousand Xuanjia Armor Armor Armor Armor soldiers—go annihilate the Sha Yue state."

Upon hearing this mission, Ning Jinli gasped, "You're not making this too hard for him, are you?"

Xiao Qidi glanced askance and replied, "Is it really that difficult?"

"Not difficult, I'm off right now," Qi Zhan said without changing expression, "I will bring back the heads of the Sha Yue royal family as tribute to my lord. If I do not destroy Sha Yue, I swear I will not be considered human."

"All right, go." Xiao Qidi nodded.

Qi Zhan knelt, bowed his head to both of them, then turned and departed resolutely.

Xiao Qidi watched his retreating back and praised, "His courage is truly extraordinary—I just don't know if he really has that much ability."

Ning Jinli worriedly said, "Although the main barbarian forces of Sha Yue have already been wiped out here, I heard from Duan Wu and others that Sha Yue has a population of four hundred thousand; excluding the elderly, children, and women, the rest can be conscripted at any time to replenish the army."

"That's right," Xiao Qidi nodded, "Their hundred‑thousand‑strong main barbarian force is gone, but if the king issues an emergency levy, they can still muster over a hundred thousand more."

"Then why are you still sending Qi Zhan on this risky mission? Aren't you afraid he'll die?"

"If he dies, it simply means he isn't as formidable as you claimed—it's his lack of ability."

"You..."

Ning Jinli was left speechless.

This guy truly has the makings of an emperor—ruthless and steadfast.

After a moment of silence, Ning Jinli asked, "How is your injury?"

Xiao Qidi's expression remained flat as his lips twitched slightly, "No need to worry; it's no longer a problem."

Ning Jinli frowned, "I'm concerned about you—couldn't you at least soften your attitude a little?"

Xiao Qidi casually replied, "You're not just worried about me alone, nor is your concern solely for me."

Huh? What do you mean? Ning Jinli wondered, "Does this conflict with me caring about you?"

Xiao Qidi pressed his lips together, saying nothing more.

Ning Jinli waved a hand, "Forget it, I don't understand you, I'm leaving first."

Seeing Xiao Qidi had no reaction, Ning Jinli pursed her lips and turned away.

——

Not long after Ning Jinli returned to the factory, she received a strange call.

"Hello, Miss Ning, I'm Lu Jue Ming." The speaker identified himself, his voice warm and magnetic, "I'm about to board a plane back to Xinghan City; Miss Ning, do you have time to meet?"

When the director of Xinghan Central Hospital recommended him to Ning Jinli earlier, he had said he would arrange for him to meet his future boss as soon as he returned.

Ning Jinli remembered this and immediately replied, "Sure, where would you like to meet?"

Lu Jue Ming said, "There's a world-famous opera troupe touring globally; they happen to be in Xinghan City tonight. How about I invite you to see it with me? Would that be alright?"

Okay, no problem.

Hmm, then I'll have someone buy the tickets and send them over.

Good.

After hanging up, Lu Jue Ming walked into the first-class cabin.

Suddenly, a fragrant breeze blew, and a young, pretty girl stumbled into his embrace, her high heel stepping on his clean leather shoe.

"Sorry, I was a bit distracted." The girl lifted her head to apologize.

It's fine. Lu Jue Ming gave a gentle, gentlemanly smile.

The girl froze, her eyes almost unable to move away from his handsome face.

Lu Jue Ming calmly sat down and wiped his shoe with a tissue.

In first class, seats are arranged two per row; the girl happened to be in the same row as him, separated by a wide central aisle, and she kept secretly observing him.

Anything? Lu Jue Ming turned his head, politely inquiring.

The girl's cheeks flushed slightly, "No... it's nothing, I just feel bad about stepping on you; how about after the plane lands, I treat you to a meal as compensation?"

Lu Jue Ming politely declined, "It's okay, no need to be so formal."

Seeing the invitation declined, the girl said, "Are you from Xinghan City? I feel like I've seen you somewhere before."

Lu Jue Ming replied, "Maybe I just have a common face."

The girl laughed, "If that's considered a common face, then ninety-nine percent of men in the world wouldn't need to live."

Lu Jue Ming merely returned a smile, saying nothing more.

The girl persisted, introducing herself, "I'm also from Xinghan City; I'm Ning Yao, my father is Ning Hai—I don't know if you've heard of us."

Lu Jue Ming thought for a moment, then gently shook his head, "Sorry, I rarely stay in Xinghan."

"What's your name?" Ning Yao probed, "We seem to have some fate; why not... exchange contact info?"

Lu Jue Ming secretly sighed, endured, replied that he wanted to rest, then put on an eye mask.

Ning Yao had no choice but to close her mouth; An An quietly peeked at him.

Originally, Ning Yao was upset this time because her boyfriend He Kai had gotten into that trouble, so she went traveling to clear her mind for a few days.

Although her parents have always looked down somewhat on He Kai, he is still the man she likes.

During these days, whenever she thought that He Kai would never get out of this for the rest of his life, her mood remained gloomy, even feeling that perhaps she would never again meet someone who made her heart flutter.

But she didn't expect that her heart would be moved so quickly.

The man she just happened to encounter, in both appearance and temperament, far surpassed He Kai, making her heart pound like a startled deer.

It's a pity that not only did she fail to get contact information, she didn't even learn his name.

A few hours later, the plane landed at Xinghan City Airport.

Ning Yao didn't get another chance to talk to him, and she also didn't want to bother him and ruin the impression.

From the airport back home, Ning Yao felt somewhat absent-minded.

She tossed her luggage aside and sat on the living-room sofa, dazed.

"Daughter, you're back?" Ning Hai walked out of the study, "How was the trip, did you enjoy it?"

"Sigh..." Ning Yao sighed, "Just so-so."

Ning Hai laughed as he sat beside her, "Stop thinking about He Kai; that guy isn't good enough for you."

Ning Yao pouted, "I'm not thinking about him."

"Not thinking about him is good," Ning Hai said solemnly, "First rest well; later you have something to take care of."

Ning Yao asked, "What is it?"

Ning Hai, thinking as he spoke, said, "I've received news that the Lu family's young master has returned, and I also know where he'll go tonight, so you—"

"The Lu family's young master?" Ning Yao interrupted, "Is that the Lu family you've been trying to secure investment from?"

Ning Hai nodded, "Exactly, the Lu family, one of Xinghan City's top-tier aristocratic houses."

Ning Yao looked up and rolled her eyes, "Dad, you're not trying to get me to cozy up to him, are you? You said that investment deal had been in the works for a long time and was already a sure thing."

Ning Hai laughed, "That investment is huge; I want it to be a sure thing."

Ning Yao frowned, "Dad, you know I've never been interested in business socializing."

"Dad knows," Ning Hai said, gripping her hand and speaking earnestly, "But... our Ning family, when you were little, managed to barely meet the threshold of a first-class family in Xinghan; ten years later, we're still not as good as before. For the Ning family to develop, we must secure the Lu family's investment and gain their favor."

"If you get in touch with him and perform well, that would be a great thing for you and our family!"

"Daughter, the Lu family's young master has remained single all this time; he rarely returns, so don't miss this good opportunity—if you could win his heart and become the Lu family's young mistress, we would—"

Before Ning Hai could finish, Ning Yao shook her head impatiently, "I don't want to hear this."

Her mind is now full of the handsome guy who stirred her heart on the plane; she has no inclination to listen to her father's words.

Moreover, she only wants free love; she doesn't want to use her marriage for some business alliance.

Ning Hai narrowed his eyes. "Why don't you first take a look at what the person looks like?"

Ning Yao said disdainfully, "Since he's the young master of a top-tier aristocratic family and still single to this day, he must be extremely ugly—so ugly that even with his family background he can't find a partner. I don't want to look, lest I have nightmares at night."

"Hahaha, you're completely wrong!" Ning Hai laughed as he pulled out his phone and held the screen up to Ning Yao. "Look, this is a photo I got through connections, secretly taken. The Lu family young master never appears in public, so snapping his picture is no easy feat."

When a handsome lifestyle photo came into view, Ning Yao was stunned.

Isn't this the handsome guy she met on the plane?!

It turns out… the man she fell for at first sight is the Lu family young master?

What fate!

"Dad, you just said you knew where he'd go tonight—quickly tell me the place." Ning Yao asked immediately.

Ning Hai let out a sigh of relief, smiling. "That's more like it—dad wouldn't trick you, would he?"

He pulled out an exquisite ticket with a black background and gold foil from his pocket.

"What is this?" Ning Yao widened her eyes.

Ning Hai handed her the ticket, saying: "This is the admission ticket to the Xinghan Opera House; the Lu family young master is going there tonight. The performance is by a world-renowned opera troupe. The tickets are not only expensive but also hard to get—even Dad had to put in a lot of effort. You must seize this opportunity."

"All right! I'll get ready right now!" Ning Yao exclaimed, jumping up and heading straight for the bedroom.

In the blink of an eye, it was seven o'clock in the evening.

After spending most of the day carefully dressing up, Ning Yao was driven by the chauffeur to the opera house entrance.

She wore her most luxurious beautiful outfit, put on the finest high-end jewelry, and even her makeup was specially done by a hired makeup artist.

As soon as she stepped out of the car, she shone like a dazzling, gorgeous swan, drawing the gazes of everyone at the entrance.

"Miss, please." The chauffeur, who also served as her bodyguard, guided her from the side, also letting her steal the spotlight.

Just as she was enjoying the feeling of being noticed, suddenly a familiar figure caught her attention.

She frowned, skeptically stepped closer, and tentatively called out, "Ning Jinli?"

"Huh?" Ning Jinli instinctively turned her head.

The moment their eyes met, both showed expressions of surprise.

Ning Yao found it even harder to believe, "Really? It's you? How are you here?!"

Ning Jinli retorted, "Why can't I be here?"

"Hmph!" Ning Yao let out a heavy cold snort, crossed her arms and sized her up, then sneered, "This kind of high-end place isn't somewhere just any cat or dog can come to—don't tell me you also want to come in to watch the opera."

Ning Jinli replied indifferently, "What's it to you?"