Mo Li

In the end, Mo Xiuyao successfully persuaded Xu Qingchen to stay in Nanzhao to handle the aftermath, while he contentedly took Ye Li and left Nanzhao to begin their carefree travels.

Unlike Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao felt not a shred of guilt or concern about leaving Xu Qingchen behind in Nanzhao. In fact, he still firmly believed that Qingchen Gongzi had been too reserved in showcasing his talents. In other words, he wasn’t putting in enough effort.

Qingchen Gongzi had risen to fame in his youth and was once regarded by many great scholars as a genius capable of governing the world. Unfortunately, after resigning from office to travel, his name became more associated with folk legends and rumors of the martial world. To most people, Qingchen Gongzi’s ethereal grace overshadowed his strategic prowess. But Mo Xiuyao knew that Xu Qingchen’s abilities far exceeded what was seen. Princess Anxi’s achievements today were at least half attributable to Xu Qingchen. Moreover, in the past years, the southwestern region of Great Chu, caught between Western Liang and Nanzhao, had faced threats on all sides. The current stability was also due to Xu Qingchen’s diplomatic maneuvering.

Perhaps learning from the lessons of their predecessors who had drawn too much attention, the Xu Family of these two generations preferred to remain low-key. Though the Xu Family undoubtedly deserved the greatest credit for the development of the northwest in recent years, when people spoke of it, they only praised Prince Ding and Wang Fei for their wisdom, rarely mentioning the Xu Family. This showed how successful their strategy had been. It also left Mo Xiuyao somewhat exasperated. Staying low-key inevitably meant limiting one’s potential. If these people would just work diligently, he could save so much more time to play with A Li.

In the posthouse, Xu Qingchen sat alone behind the desk, resting with his eyes closed. Mo Xiuyao’s parting words still echoed in his ears: Brother Qingchen, this prince cannot guarantee the Xu Family’s prosperity for generations, but as long as I live and Mo Yuchen lives, I will ensure the Xu Family’s peace.

Mo Xiuyao rarely used Mo Xiaobao’s formal name, usually calling him Xiao Bao or Mo Xiaobao. This led some uninformed people to believe that the little prince of Prince Ding’s estate was actually named Mo Xiaobao. Thus, the sincerity and resolve in Mo Xiuyao’s words were evident. The Xu Family did not distrust Mo Xiuyao—they distrusted imperial power itself. The price the Xu Family had paid for this was too great. Though they hadn’t faced mass executions or rivers of blood, generations of the family had been suppressed, with many descendants dying in frustration and obscurity. Even his grandfather, a renowned scholar of their time, had never truly known a day of freedom. Such a slow, grinding torment was sometimes more unbearable than a swift, decisive blow.

“Qingchen Gongzi,” Qin Feng’s deep voice came from outside the door.

“What is it?” Xu Qingchen opened his eyes, his gaze calm and alert, without a trace of drowsiness. Qin Feng replied, “Prime Minister Liu and Consort Liu of Great Chu request an audience.”

Xu Qingchen pondered for a moment before responding indifferently, “Let them in.”Before long, Prime Minister Liu entered with Consort Liu, who was dressed in white. Seeing the white-clad man seated behind the desk without the slightest intention of moving, the old prime minister's murky eyes flashed with envy and anger. He couldn't help but resent Xu Qingchen—Qingchen Gongzi, who had risen to fame in his youth and held significant power before even turning thirty. Although Qingchen Gongzi held no specific official title in the northwest, those with insight knew his influence among the civil officials there was second only to his father, Xu Hongyu. Recalling how he had struggled in the court at that age, clawing his way up with every underhanded method, Prime Minister Liu couldn't help but seethe with jealousy and resentment toward the serene and refined man before him.

Like her father, Consort Liu also disliked Xu Qingchen. Not only because he was Ye Li's cousin, but also because being in his presence always made her feel a sense of unworthiness. It wasn't that Xu Qingchen was more beautiful than her—no matter how handsome he was, as a man, he could never compare to Consort Liu, renowned as the peerless beauty of Chu Jing. Rather, it was the natural grace he exuded, which made one feel as if all their hidden darkness and filth were laid bare before him.

"What brings Prime Minister Liu here today?" Xu Qingchen frowned slightly as he regarded the two silent figures before him.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Prime Minister Liu replied, "I heard Prince Ding and Princess Ding left the Nanzhao royal city this morning?" Xu Qingchen nodded but remained silent. The prime minister's furrowed brows deepened with wrinkles. "Then, may I ask what Prince Ding and Princess Ding think about Princess Anxi's succession?"

Earlier that morning, news had spread through the palace that the King of Nanzhao had been found. However, he had been wounded by rebel forces and was too traumatized to govern. Soon, Princess Anxi would ascend the throne as Crown Princess, becoming the new Queen of Nanzhao. This news was far from favorable for the Great Chu. Princess Anxi had always been on excellent terms with Xu Qingchen and shared a close relationship with Princess Ding. If she became queen, it would only spell trouble for the Great Chu.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "His Highness has entrusted this matter to me to handle in full."

Prime Minister Liu's expression darkened. "Does Qingchen Gongzi's word represent Prince Ding's stance?" Internally, the prime minister groaned. When the emperor had acted against the Xu Family, he had thoroughly alienated them. Now that Prince Ding had handed this matter to Xu Qingchen, even if Xu Qingchen weren't Princess Anxi's friend, he certainly wouldn't side with them. Xu Qingchen replied calmly, "Since the King of Nanzhao can no longer govern, it is only natural for Princess Anxi, as Crown Princess, to ascend the throne. Even if His Highness were here, what objections could he raise? Prime Minister Liu, we need only await Princess Anxi's coronation." The prime minister's face twisted between green and white—he didn't want Princess Anxi to become queen at all! Xu Qingchen didn't bother to look at his expression.

Lowering his gaze, he sipped his tea lightly, masking the fleeting disdain in his eyes. For a mere prime minister to think he could influence the succession of the Nanzhao throne—he was overestimating himself. "I still have matters to attend to, so I won't keep Prime Minister Liu any longer." It was a clear gesture of dismissal. The prime minister's face shifted through several emotions before he finally snorted and stormed out in a huff.No sooner had Prime Minister Liu been seen off than another visitor was announced—the heir of Zhennan Wang. Xu Qingchen frowned slightly and said, "Close the gates and decline all visitors today. We are not receiving guests."

The guard withdrew to relay the order. Qin Feng, sitting nearby, asked curiously, "Eldest Young Master, is there truly no issue with refusing guests like this?"

Xu Qingchen smiled. "What issue could there be? At most, they’ll just repeat the same old matters. Once Princess Anxi ascends the throne, they’ll have nothing left to say." Even if various factions were currently unwilling to see Princess Anxi, who had close ties to the Northwest, succeed to the throne, these envoys had brought with them no more than a hundred men at most. Did they truly think they could forcibly stop her? Picking up his brush, Xu Qingchen calmly wrote a few lines before folding the paper and sealing it in an envelope. He handed it to Qin Feng and said, "Please have this delivered to Princess Anxi." Without further questions, Qin Feng took the letter and immediately left.

Half an hour later, Xu Qingchen’s letter lay unfolded on Princess Anxi’s desk. The elegant, refined handwriting concealed an unspoken sharpness and lethality—"Indecision invites calamity. The way of kings is this: those who submit shall prosper, those who resist shall perish!"

After a long silence, Princess Anxi finally asked, "Where is Shu Manlin?" The guard beside her replied, "Reporting to Your Highness, she is imprisoned in the dungeon."

Princess Anxi paused briefly before saying, "Send her on her way. And those tribal leaders who aided her—deal with them as well."

"As you command, Your Highness."

While the Nanzhao capital was embroiled in bloodshed and intrigue, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao found themselves enjoying a rare period of relaxation. Leaving their guards behind—including Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, and Feng San, who remained in Nanzhao to assist Xu Qingchen—they rode out of the capital on a wild horse Mo Xiuyao had recently tamed, carrying only light baggage as they headed northwest. To avoid disturbances along the way, Mo Xiuyao even dyed his long-white hair black and donned the attire of an ordinary martial artist. Together, they truly resembled a carefree couple wandering the martial world.

While everyone assumed Prince Ding and Princess Ding must have hastened back to the Northwest at full speed, Mo Xiuyao leisurely led Ye Li across Nanzhao’s northwestern border into Western Liang.

Centuries ago, Western Liang and Great Chu had been one, so even after all this time, the language and customs of the people in both regions remained quite similar. With only minor disguises, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li blended seamlessly into Western Liang’s borderlands, arousing no suspicion along the way.

Both were figures whose actions could sway the entire Northwest, and wherever they went, they were usually surrounded by entourages, leaving little room for personal freedom. This time, however, they traveled light, without a single guard, leisurely enjoying the landscapes. Even without seeking out famous mountains or sacred sites, they found unparalleled joy and ease in their journey. Seeing Ye Li’s relaxed brow and the faint but genuine smile on her lips, Mo Xiuyao felt a deep pang of remorse in his heart.Over the years, A Li's burdens have been no less than anyone else's in the northwest—perhaps even greater. All of this was because of him. If she hadn't married him, with her abilities, A Li could have easily lived any life she desired. Yet because of him, she was confined to the northwest, dealing with endless political affairs and facing enemies that seemed as numerous as the world itself. This was absolutely not the life he wanted for her. He wished for A Li to be the most revered and happiest woman in the world, free to do as she pleased and go wherever she wished at any time.

"What are you thinking about?" Sitting in a corner of the inn, Ye Li looked up and asked softly as she noticed Mo Xiuyao lost in thought while gazing at her.

Mo Xiuyao blinked and replied gently, "A Li, do you like the life you have now?"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and nodded. "It's not bad." Seeing the apologetic look in Mo Xiuyao's eyes, she smiled faintly. "Having time to travel and enjoy the scenery is naturally pleasant, but if you expect me to roam the world like my elder brother, constantly touring countries and admiring landscapes, I wouldn’t be able to bear it either."

Ye Li wasn’t lying. She wasn’t a romantic scholar like Xu Qingchen, who found solace in nature. For her, traveling was a way to relax, not a lifestyle. When it came to life, she preferred something closer to that of ordinary people. At heart, Ye Li considered herself quite down-to-earth.

Even if she were to wander the world, she felt that was something best left for her forties or fifties. After all, being a special forces soldier was still a driven profession—youth was the time to do what young people ought to do. Otherwise, what would she do in old age? Sit around idly staring into space?

"I thought A Li preferred a leisurely life. These past few years of constant busyness haven’t been what you wanted, have they?" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Ye Li pondered for a moment before answering, "We’ve discussed this before. I thought you already understood my stance. I truly don’t enjoy power struggles—living peacefully would naturally be ideal. But in this world... unless I retreat to the mountains and forests, it’s never that easy to have everything go my way, is it? Besides, I’m not alone. Even if it weren’t you, I’d still have a husband and children. If my husband weren’t Prince Ding and my son weren’t the Heir Apparent Ding, would he be as safe and carefree as he is now? He might have to endure others’ disdain due to his status or face bullying without me being able to protect him everywhere. Moreover, compared to being confined to the inner quarters with fine clothes and food but no freedom, I’d much rather walk openly and freely outside. If you want something, you have to give something in return. Compared to the freedom I have now, being a little busier isn’t unbearable, is it?"

Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li intently and said, "No matter what A Li thinks, I wish she never had to worry about anything. The best things in the world should be handed to her the moment she desires them. But... I can’t do that."Ye Li helplessly cupped Mo Xiuyao's face, seeing the mix of earnestness, remorse, helplessness, and grievance in those handsome eyes. She couldn't help but laugh, "Are you saying you want to craft a cage of gold and gems to lock me in? Then feed me dragon liver and phoenix marrow, dress me in golden threads and silver fabrics, even my mouthwash would have to be divine nectar? Xiu Yao, this isn't what I want. What I desire is to walk side by side with you, no matter where you wish to go or how high you aim to climb. Do you understand?"

"Anything else?" Mo Xiuyao gazed at her eagerly, as if hoping she'd make more demands. A Li's requests might be too difficult for many, but for Mo Xiuyao, they were far too simple. He wanted to give A Li the best, everything she desired. Even if he didn't have it now, he would obtain it in the future—even if he had to seize it for her.

Ye Li tilted her head to look at him, smiling after a long pause, "And one more thing... if there's a second woman along the way, don't blame me for kicking you off."

"There will never be a second A Li in this world," Mo Xiuyao sighed softly. There was only one A Li, so there could never be a second woman on their life's journey.

Having placated the sulking man, Ye Li added some of Mo Xiuyao's favorite greens to his bowl, urging him to eat. The inn's main hall wasn't the best place for heartfelt confessions, but fortunately, business was slow, and only a few patrons were present. Sitting in a corner, their interaction went unnoticed. As they ate, they discussed their next steps in hushed tones.

Suddenly, a large group of people entered the inn, all armed with weapons. Their attire alone marked them as anything but ordinary civilians. The innkeeper hurried to greet them, and the hall quickly grew lively.

Frowning, Ye Li whispered, "Why are there so many martial artists here?" This was just an obscure little town in Western Liang, where martial artists were rarely seen, let alone in such numbers.

Mo Xiuyao pondered, studying the newcomers before replying, "Now that I think of it... this year marks the once-every-nine-years Martial Arts Tournament."

"Martial Arts Tournament? To elect a martial arts alliance leader?" The first thing that came to Ye Li's mind was the competition for the alliance leader's position.

Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly, "A Li, you've never cared much for martial arts affairs. Where did you hear that? What martial arts alliance leader... The martial world is divided into sects and factions, each governing themselves. Who would listen to anyone else?" Even the world's top martial artist wouldn't command universal respect—especially if they were a lone wanderer. Far from uniting the martial world, they might not even sway minor sects. The idea of a martial arts alliance leader was merely a figment of storytellers' imaginations.

"I remember now—Wang Ye participated in the Martial Arts Tournament eighteen years ago. So, this so-called tournament is just a gathering for martial artists to compete for rankings?" Ye Li quickly recalled that Mo Xiuyao had earned his title as one of the world's four greatest martial artists at that tournament when he was only fourteen. Now, barely past thirty, he was about to experience his third Martial Arts Tournament—though he had missed the second one due to unforeseen circumstances."Is this edition being held in Western Liang? Will Xiu Yao be going?" Ye Li asked with a smile. "You didn't participate last time. Maybe this time you can bring back the title of the world's top martial artist."

Mo Xiuyao shook his head and smiled, "If A Li is interested, we can go take a look. But forget about being the top martial artist." Being number one meant endless challengers would come seeking to defeat you. Mo Xiuyao didn't think he had time to deal with an unending stream of martial artists from the jianghu. He'd rather spend that time accompanying A Li while teasing Mo Xiaobao.

Ye Li smiled faintly, "Speaking of which, Wang Ye and Ling Gezhu still have an unfinished duel. Do you think we might run into Ling Gezhu if we go this time?"

Mo Xiuyao frowned. The situation A Li mentioned was indeed possible. Now that he was healthy and idle, if he encountered Ling Tiehan, there would be no escaping. Though he too would like to spar with a master like Ling Tiehan, still...

"Ling Tiehan might not have time for me," Mo Xiuyao chuckled.

Ye Li was puzzled. Could there really be a better opponent than Mo Xiuyao in this world? Mo Xiuyao smiled, "A better opponent might not exist, but... between an opponent and an enemy, who do you think Ling Tiehan would choose first?"

"An enemy?" Ye Li frowned, mentally reviewing the notable martial arts masters she could remember. Somewhat confused, she asked, "Does Ling Tiehan have a grudge against Lei Zhenting?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, "Haven't you noticed, A Li, that although Ling Tiehan and Lei Zhenting are both top masters from Western Liang and should logically be closer, all these years Ling Tiehan has preferred coming to Chu to spar with masters rather than ever exchanging blows with Lei Zhenting?"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, "Isn't that because Lei Zhenting's status is special?"

"No, it's because if they fought, it would absolutely be a fight to the death. Unless he was certain he could kill Lei Zhenting, Ling Tiehan wouldn't make a move," Mo Xiuyao said calmly.