Chapter 82: The Resolve to Set Out for Battle

“This is the world of food lovers,” Ye Xin said with a smile. “You wouldn’t really understand it.”

Xue Baiqi, Hao Fei, and Xie En exchanged glances, then all chuckled quietly. Wasn’t the opposite of life supposed to be death? But what Shanpao said made sense in its own way.

“What are you laughing at?” Shanpao snapped, feeling that these three were all laughing at his expense.

“Xiao Demon Finger has his own world too,” Ye Xin shifted the topic. “If he hadn’t joined the Famous Generals, I might not be so sure, but now, I’m at least ninety percent certain. Their group looks fierce, but the moment trouble arises, they’ll shrink back.”

“Is there really no one else in Nine Cauldrons City who can see through this?” Xie En said. “Everyone’s so terrified right now. If someone with insight stood up and spoke, maybe things would be better.”

“Would I say anything?” Ye Xin replied. “Those who see the big picture have their own considerations, just like me. But… Wen Rong gave me quite an inspiration. I think it’s time I did something.”

“Wen Rong? What inspiration could she give you?” Xie En asked, puzzled.

“To me, some people in Nine Cauldrons City are already dead; I was simply waiting quietly for the day of reckoning. That’s been my logic, but it has its flaws. That won’t do. What needs to be said must be said; if I wait for others to guess, some will assume the best of me, others the worst. In short, the time has come to declare loyalty.”

“Boss, who are you going to pledge loyalty to?” Xie En laughed.

“To the Kingdom of David, of course,” Ye Xin looked up at the sky. “The enemy army has invaded; Iron Lantern should be heading out to war soon. Before that, he’ll definitely seek a chance to talk with me.”

As it turned out, Ye Xin really did have the qualifications to be a prophet. Half an hour after he said those words, Wang Meng, clad in armor, strode into the Ye family estate.

Hao Fei brought Wang Meng into Ye Xin’s small courtyard and then left. Wang Meng sat heavily on a stone bench, his face troubled. Before he spoke, he let out a long sigh.

“What’s got you so serious?” Ye Xin asked with a smile.

“You know, those bastards from the Grand Summons Kingdom have invaded.” Wang Meng turned to Ye Xin. “Brother Xin, I wanted to stay in Nine Cauldrons City a bit longer with you, but it’s impossible now. The military situation is urgent; we leave the city tomorrow. This time… we might not see each other for a year or two.”

“Oh.” Ye Xin replied flatly.

“Chief Zhu is back. He asked me to thank you for him.” Wang Meng said. “Brother Xin, I need to thank you too. You didn’t send anyone to trouble Chief Zhu—otherwise, I really wouldn’t have been able to explain myself to the old man.”

“Chief Zhu is a remarkable man,” Ye Xin smiled. “He’s already humbled himself, promised not to cause any trouble. Having such a friend is my good fortune; how could I possibly make things difficult for him?”

“He’s grown old.” Wang Meng sighed. “In my memory, he used to be very diligent, but the older he gets, the more cautious he becomes. I don’t know if that’s wisdom or confusion… Both his sons and several nephews are patrol officers now. I think he wants to hold out a bit longer, pick the most promising among them, help him rise, and then retire in peace.”

“You can tell Chief Zhu that if he ever needs help, he can come straight to the Ye family, or look for Mo Yan,” Ye Xin said.

“So, you finally admit it?” Wang Meng laughed. “The first time I saw Mo Yan, I was worried for days, afraid he’d try to take advantage of your family. I tried to warn you, but later, the more I thought about it, the less sense it made. Now I get it—Mo Yan is yours! And Brother Xin, you can finally harness your vital energy, can’t you? Hahaha… You kept it from me so well!”

“Third Brother knows too?” Ye Xin asked.

“Yes, word of your ability to cultivate has spread everywhere,” Wang Meng said. “If we had time, I’d love to spar with you, see what else you’re hiding, but there’s no time left.”

“That’s good for you; at least you avoid embarrassing yourself,” Ye Xin replied.

“Really? Brother Xin…” Wang Meng shot Ye Xin a sidelong look. “I’m an intermediate innate warrior now!”

“Want to try right now?” Ye Xin suggested.

“I…” Wang Meng hesitated, then shook his head. “Forget it, I still have to report to the city defense army. If you leave me in a mess, everyone will laugh at me. Oh, Brother Xin, I heard something—at Dragon Soaring Martial Academy, all students who’ve reached the innate warrior level are being sent to the battlefield. Xiao Ling is among those drafted. Third Brother told me to let you know: don’t worry, he’ll arrange for Xiao Ling to be under his command. With Third Brother looking after her, she’ll be safe.”

“Third Brother sent you, so there must be something else, right?” Ye Xin smiled.

“Well…” Wang Meng looked around, lowered his voice. “Where’s your sister-in-law?”

“You mean Wen Rong? She’s not your sister-in-law yet. At this hour… she should be at her own home,” Ye Xin replied.

“So, she’s at the Shen family? I heard she moved there.” Wang Meng paused. “Third Brother wants to meet up tonight, but don’t bring Wen Rong along. It would be awkward. This… I know it’s not your fault, but some people don’t see it that way. They say you’re quite the homewrecker…”

“Third Brother says that too?” Ye Xin asked.

“He’s always defended you,” Wang Meng replied. “He wants you there tonight so we can clear things up. Once we talk, we’ll still be brothers!”

“Alright. Where are we meeting?” Ye Xin asked.

“Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion. Third Brother already reserved a table. Just show up,” Wang Meng said. “I’ll head to the city defense first, and come over at noon.”

“Got it,” Ye Xin replied.

“Brother Xin, don’t bring your sister-in-law. Otherwise, we can’t have a proper talk,” Wang Meng reminded him again.

“Did you have to repeat it? You think I’m that stupid?” Ye Xin said, half amused, half exasperated.

“Well, I should get going.” Wang Meng stood up. “Chief Zhu said, if you ever need his help, just ask. He’ll do whatever he can.”

After Wang Meng left, Ye Xin remained still, gazing at the wild grass swaying atop the wall. The Grand Summons Kingdom’s invasion was a good opportunity for him; everything needed to accelerate.

He didn’t know how much time had passed before Deng Qiaoying appeared at the gate, followed by Ye Ling, Mo Yan, and a dozen strong warriors.

“Aunt,” Ye Xin stood up, smiling warmly.

“Xin’er, is it really time to leave?” Deng Qiaoying’s face was full of hesitation.

“It’s time,” Ye Xin nodded. “Iron Heart Saint still commands a mysterious guard unit called the Clothguard. They have vast powers and countless informants. If it were an ordinary day to send you off, they might notice. But with the city in chaos and so many people preparing to flee to other duchies to escape the war, leaving now is safest.”

“But… your marriage to the Wen family…” Deng Qiaoying murmured.

“The Grand Summons Kingdom is invading; who cares for romance now?” Ye Xin smiled. “Even if I wanted a wedding, with Wen Hong’s temper, he’d scold me thoroughly. ‘How can you think of family when the enemy is at the gates?’ Haha… I know exactly what he’d say.”

“Well, alright. I know you have your plans, Aunt will follow your lead.” Deng Qiaoying sighed deeply, looking around. She’d lived in the Ye family nearly twenty years, married here, raised children here. Leaving so suddenly filled her with reluctance.

“Is Fu Shang here yet?” Ye Xin turned to Mo Yan.

“Master, Fu Shang has arrived in the city. But there’s someone in his group who can’t enter the city. We’ll have to escort Madam out,” Mo Yan hurried to reply.

“Someone in his group?” Ye Xin paused, then suddenly recalled. “Is it Song Zidan from Autumn Evening Town garrison?”

“That’s right,” Mo Yan nodded.

“Let Hao Fei go too. He’s waited for this day a long time,” Ye Xin said. “Tell him to be quick.”

Song Zidan, from Autumn Evening Town garrison, was the main culprit in framing Hao Fei’s family—he killed Hao Fei’s parents, forced the brothers into the Camp of Sins, and sent their sisters to brothels. Hao Fei had longed for revenge. Over a month ago, Ye Xin personally ordered Fu Shang to capture Song Zidan and bring him to Nine Cauldrons City.

“Understood,” Mo Yan nodded.

Deng Qiaoying did not want to leave, but she knew staying in Nine Cauldrons City would only burden Ye Xin. After giving him countless reminders about household matters, she reluctantly boarded the carriage Mo Yan had prepared.

The Ye family was always small, and with Deng Qiaoying gone, taking some maids and old servants, the courtyard was even more desolate.

But it made little difference to Ye Xin. Seeing it was nearly noon, he called Xue Baiqi and headed out, straight for Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion.

Upon arrival, he asked the welcoming maids a few questions, and some led him to Spring Garden.

It was not yet noon; Iron Lantern and Wang Meng hadn’t arrived. Ye Xin picked a spot and closed his eyes to rest. He’d decided to tour the border, earn some reputation, and had to plan carefully to avoid unforeseen events.

It was Xue Baiqi’s first time in such a place. As a household guard, he had boundaries he couldn’t cross, so Spring Garden wasn’t his domain.

Xue Baiqi wandered about, glancing around, when suddenly footsteps approached, and a group of people entered, chatting and laughing.

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