Chapter 687: Either

Feng Shuo was currently feeling anxious, not knowing if His Majesty had arrived this time in his capacity as Emperor, or if he was continuing to use his previous identity as Commandant "Cheng Li"; simply kneeling down first was never wrong.

Seeing this, Li Chen dismounted and walked in front of Feng Shuo, his tone carrying a hint of mockery: "Commandant Feng, what is the meaning of this? Why perform such a grand salute? Could it be that you don't even recognize me, Cheng Li?"

The garrison soldiers nearby who were in the dark saw this and also burst into laughter one after another: "Fatty Feng, what's wrong with you? You've seen Commandant Cheng several times already, why are you still such a coward?"

"Exactly, your legs went soft way too fast!"

Feng Shuo didn't care about their mockery at all; he knew that Li Chen was still traveling incognito this time, so he hurriedly scrambled up from the ground, a simple and honest smile plastered on his face, his waist bent extremely low: "Lord Cheng! You see, I was excited for a moment and didn't stand steady, didn't stand steady!"

He didn't dare to inspect anything and immediately transformed into the most attentive guide, leading Li Chen into the pass while lowering his voice to report the recent situation at Hantie Pass: "My lord, ever since that traitor Xie Ergai failed in his cavalry sneak attack, we have been quite peaceful here; there haven't been any big battles, just some small frictions between some sects and rogue cultivators within the pass for resources, all of which have been handled according to the rules."

Li Chen listened while nodding slightly, then suddenly asked: "Feng Shuo, you have been stationed here for quite a few years, and your ability is not bad. Now that the war on the front lines is in full swing, Grand General Han Wu is in need of people; do you want to go to the front lines to gain experience and fight for a greater future?"

This sentence made Feng Shuo's face turn pale; he shook his head like a rattle-drum, waving his hands while retreating repeatedly: "No, no, no! Master! Lord Cheng! Please don't elevate me! I, Feng Shuo, know how much I weigh; I am simply not that kind of material!

Being able to guard the gate here at Hantie Pass for His Majesty... uh, for the imperial court, is already enough to satisfy me! That place on the front lines really doesn't suit me!"

He knew clearly in his heart that Li Chen intended to cultivate him.

Even if he really went to the front lines, Grand General Han Wu, out of respect for His Majesty, would absolutely not arrange him in the most dangerous position.

But he, Feng Shuo, had self-knowledge; if he relied on his acquaintance with the Emperor to climb up, and his own strength and military achievements couldn't keep up, he would sooner or later be stabbed in the back by others, and those days would be even harder to endure.

Being able to guard Hantie Pass, safe and sound, and occasionally seeing His Majesty, was already a tremendous blessing.

Actually, there is someone in the May Tian Ce Dynasty who has been sponging off military achievements, and he is doing it by relying on this connection with Li Chen.

But basically, no one dares to say anything about him; after all, he is at least the Prince of Anxi.

In this war between the Daluo Dynasty and the May Tian Ce Dynasty, Li Ji naturally went as well.

This guy is just like a mascot; anyway, as long as he doesn't cause trouble, just muddling through is enough.

With his status as a Prince and being the close brother of His Majesty Li Chen, who would dare to say anything? That would be seeking death.

Seeing that Feng Shuo's attitude was firm and his words were sincere, Li Chen did not force him anymore.

He appreciated Feng Shuo's ability, especially his talent for managing pass affairs and coordinating all parties, but he appreciated this rare clarity and sense of duty even more.

In the process of Li Chen ascending the throne and even unifying the Northern Territory, he had encountered all kinds of talents, and there was no lack of outstanding ones among them, but he never forced others to act against their own will.

The May Tian Ce Dynasty has vast territory and produces many talents; it does not lack one Feng Shuo.

If one truly has the heart to forge ahead, one will naturally stand out like Jiang Ningyue once the opportunity is seized.

After chatting with Feng Shuo about a few interesting things inside the pass, Li Chen waved his hand: "Get back to your post, don't just stand here."

"Alright! Master, please walk slowly!" Feng Shuo felt as if he had been granted an amnesty, hurriedly nodding and bowing, and ran back to his post at the city gate with nimble steps.

Li Chen strolled back to a secluded private residence he had purchased within Hantie Pass.

Here, Tuoba Anyu had been waiting all along. ===== CHAPTER 688 =====