Chapter 89

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Protagonist:

Xuan Ge

Xuan Ge's figure had just stepped across the threshold when Wei Qing immediately cupped his fists in salute, his tone respectful:

"General!"

He Qu Bing followed close behind, bowing deeply with equal reverence, not daring the slightest negligence.

Xuan Ge's gaze swept over the two, then inadvertently flicked to the figure off to the side.

That person wore exquisite attire, chestnut-brown long hair draped over the shoulders, brows and eyes delicate and lively, bearing a spirited air; even seated on a stool, the confidence radiating from his entire being could not be concealed.

He raised an eyebrow; the answer was already clear in his heart — this was undoubtedly Hei Ta.

He had long since read Hei Ta's dossier; both appearance and aura were highly distinctive, and seeing her today, she truly lived up to her reputation.

"Caused trouble again?"

Xuan Ge offered no superfluous pleasantries, strode straight to the seat of honor and sat down, leaning back slightly, hands resting on the armrests.

His gaze settled on He Qu Bing, tone flat yet carrying a few notes of knowing curiosity.

In truth, the moment he saw Hei Ta, he had already guessed most of it.

This kid He Qu Bing could run into anyone while leading troops, and they were all people he could beat; his military merit was skyrocketing.

Were it not for Wei Qing pressing him down, He Qu Bing would have become a Five Armies Commander long ago.

"Y-yes... General." He Qu Bing hung his head, tone honest, not a shred of defense.

Even though he had still carried a hint of indignation before his uncle just now, before Xuan Ge he dared not utter a single false word, only able to answer truthfully.

After all, the Divine Might General's awe was not something he could casually offend.

Wei Qing glanced at He Qu Bing, then stepped forward, cupping his fists again, tone strict and firm:

"General, He Qu Bing disobeyed military orders, pursued the Abundance-corrupted army into the Tai Yuan Na Si Xing Xi on his own initiative, and nearly struck a non-enemy Hang Jian.

According to Articles 43 and 91 of the Shen Wu Army Code, two crimes combined, the law demands execution."

The words barely fell before Wei Qing lifted his foot and kicked He Qu Bing's leg; a light "crack" sounded, and He Qu Bing's leg bone snapped instantly.

Pain shuddered through his whole body, fine cold sweat beading on his forehead, yet he still gritted his teeth and endured the agony.

Both knees hit the ground, still maintaining the salute posture, not a word of complaint, not a plea for mercy.

Off to the side, Hei Ta watched the scene with great interest, a playful smile hanging at the corner of her mouth, a flash of curiosity in her eyes.

Not long ago, this young man had led several thousand Shen Wu warships, charging aggressively toward her Hang Jian...

At the time she had thought Xuan Ge knew she was coming and had specially sent someone to welcome her.

But she never imagined it was merely He Qu Bing single-mindedly chasing Abomination of Abundance, too focused to notice her Hang Jian, nearly colliding and causing this farce.

Hei Ta perceived Xuan Ge's gaze landing on her, knowing he was waiting for her to speak.

Since the one nearly injured was herself, and she did not wish to make things too hard on a junior, she went along with the out, tone light:

"I see no need; even if he had actually fired, so what? My Hang Jian isn't made of paper — could it really be damaged so easily by him?"

Hearing this, the corners of both Xuan Ge's and Wei Qing's mouths hooked into an extremely faint smile.

Xuan Ge lifted his eyes to look at He Qu Bing kneeling on the ground, tone carrying a few parts encouragement, a few parts warning:

"Learning from me is fine — learn my valor, learn my decisiveness — but don't learn my recklessness.

Listen well to your uncle's teaching, temper your nature; the position of Five Armies Commander will eventually have a seat for you."

"Thank you, General!" Light instantly blazed in He Qu Bing's eyes, overjoyed, he scrambled to his feet.

Thanks to the Xian Zhou Celestial constitution, his shattered leg bone had already knitted back to normal in a mere moment, leaving only a faint dull ache.

He once more cupped his fists deeply toward Xuan Ge, tone firm: "This subordinate will not disappoint the General's high hopes; henceforth I will strictly obey commands and temper my nature!"

"General, we will take our leave first; this subordinate will properly discipline He Qu Bing."

Wei Qing cupped his fists toward Xuan Ge, finished speaking, then reached out and grabbed He Qu Bing — who still wanted to say more — and turned, striding quickly out of the courtyard.

Only Xuan Ge and Hei Ta remained in the courtyard; the atmosphere instantly grew much more relaxed.

Xuan Ge stood up, took long strides to the chair beside Hei Ta and sat down, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over Hei Ta's figure, then abruptly shifting topic, tone bold:

"Hahaha, Hei Ta fe... young... brother graces us with your presence; Xuan has failed to welcome you from afar — please forgive me."

【Brother?????】

Hei Ta hesitated a moment, but didn't think further, lifting her eyes to glance at Xuan Ge.

Xuan Ge was born clear-featured and handsome, bearing extraordinary poise; his looks nearly caught up to her own.

She let out a light laugh, tone becoming much more casual: "The Divine Might General's temperament is indeed that of a bold person.

This matter was not that young general's fault to begin with; it was I who failed to give advance notice and came rashly, causing this farce."

"Hehe~ joking." Xuan Ge waved his hand, tone modest, also putting away his jest.

"He has an impatient nature; he indeed needs proper tempering, otherwise sooner or later he'll cause a major catastrophe."

Finished speaking, he rose and walked to the tea table, picked up the teapot, and skillfully brewed a cup of tea for Hei Ta, pushing the teacup before her.

"I wonder if Hei Ta's visit to Shen Wu this time is for Miss Ruan Mei?"

【Miss Ruan Mei? Not brother?】

Hei Ta's motion of lifting the teacup paused slightly, she muttered inwardly.

【Seems the Divine Might doesn't like Ruan Mei's cold, detached demeanor.

Rather, my bright and spirited temperament suits his taste more.

Look, he directly addressed me as brother — clearly he approves of me greatly.】

She suppressed the slight smugness in her heart, took a light sip of tea, her tone flat yet carrying a few hints of confidence:

"Precisely. The Heavenly Deficiency Syndrome of the Xian Zhou immortals, I did want to come take a look; perhaps I can find some inspiration from it, and also help Ruan Mei speed up her research progress."

Xuan Ge looked at her chest-full-of-bamboo appearance, smiled, tone refreshing:

"Hehe~ No problem! Hei Ta's visit this time, any needs, just mention them to Xuan Mou; as long as it's something my Shen Wu can do, I definitely won't refuse.

In a moment I'll have someone take you to Miss Ruan Mei's laboratory; you all can also get into research as soon as possible."

He paused, then raised his eyes, his gaze carrying a few hints of curiosity, feigning surprise as he said:

"Right, I heard you also have a private friendship with the Marshal? This truly makes me feel unworthy.

Speaking the truth, I never thought of keeping Ruan Mei in Shen Wu; you know my temperament, I've always disliked forcing people into difficulties."

Hei Ta raised her eyes and glanced at Xuan Ge, a trace of realization flashing in her eyes, the corner of her mouth hooking a curve that seemed like a smile yet not a smile.

How could she not see that Xuan Ge's appearance was all an act; he deliberately used the Marshal to make a point, merely reminding herself.

She has always disliked beating around the bush with Xian Ge this kind of deep-minded, power-scheme-proficient political veteran.

She simply went straight to the point, tone carrying a few hints of coquettishness, also carrying a few hints of urging: "General~ still better send someone to take me to Ruan Mei's place first; inspiration for researching Heavenly Deficiency Syndrome is fleeting.

If research progress is delayed, then don't blame me then."

"Hehe~ Easy to say, easy to say."

Xuan Ge laughed lightly, nodded, didn't make things difficult for her further, then shouted toward the courtyard gate outside.

A personal guard dressed in black armor immediately walked in quickly, respectfully cupping fists in salute: "General!"

"You take Hei Ta, go to Miss Ruan Mei's laboratory in the Dan Ding Si." Xuan Ge ordered in a steady tone.

"Yes, General!" The personal guard respectfully answered, then turned and made a please gesture toward Hei Ta.

"Please follow me."

Hei Ta stood up, gave a slight nod toward Xuan Ge, tone casual: "Then I'll go to the laboratory first, General, let's catch up another day."

Finished speaking, she followed the personal guard, turned and walked out of the courtyard, the pointed top of her hat shaking lightly with Hei Ta's steps, looking very coquettish.

Watching Hei Ta's figure completely disappear at the courtyard entrance, the smile on Xuan Ge's face gradually faded, replaced by a few hints of deep thought.

Hei Ta's arrival was beyond his expectations, yet also within reason.

That day he didn't answer Ruan Mei's request to leave, precisely to rope Hei Ta in.

The Third War of Plenty... if I don't prepare well... I'll really let down the three armies..

Whether I die or not doesn't matter; the main thing is the soldiers under my command....

A million strong; excluding the Five Direction Commanders, the remaining eighty percent are all people who follow me walking the Hunt Path.

If I fall, the Five Direction Commanders and even the other Heavenly Generals won't be able to suppress them....

I need to discuss cooperation matters properly with Hei Ta.

But right now, there's still one more thing that concerns him more; he then turned and walked toward the General's Mansion's sleeping palace direction.

He has to go back and see if his own backyard has caught fire.