Chapter 1102: New Mission and New Emergency

For years, Mou State had been at war with Beijia, and Ya State was like a constant thorn in its side, causing perpetual unease, irritation, and even pain. Now that the Yangshan Archipelago had provided some relief, Mou State was naturally pleased.

“I’ve taken the Bailong tribe under my wing,” He Lingchuan said, though he already knew the answer, “Emperor Mou won’t be angry about that, will he?”

“What are you talking about?” Fang Canran chuckled. “He’s overjoyed! Settling tens of thousands of Bailong people is quite a hassle, so you’ve solved two problems for the Emperor at once.” He continued, “The Emperor will send a generous reward to Lu Qingbang and the Bailong tribe in a few days. As for you, Mou State will open up exports of six rare ores, including Zikun, to the Yangshan Archipelago. They’ll also increase their purchases of palm oil and grain, so your smiths will have plenty of work from now on.”

He Lingchuan was delighted.

Mou State, a land of vast territory and rich resources, also boasted abundant mineral production. However, exports had always been strictly controlled, forcing the Yangshan Archipelago to rely on expensive and unstable smuggling routes previously. Now, with Emperor Mou’s decree, the Yangshan Archipelago would have a stable supply channel.

The Yangshan Archipelago, despite its strained relations with Ya State, had earned Mou State’s approval. It was a classic case of losing something in one place only to gain something better elsewhere.

As for Lu Qingbang receiving commendation, it was well-deserved. He had performed exceptionally well in Storm Bay; without his bravery, steadfastness, and ability to calm the populace, the Bailong tribe wouldn’t have been able to hold out until reinforcements arrived.

He Lingchuan could easily imagine Old Lu Six’s elation. His own son had proven his worth, not merely Lu Zhensheng’s son shining alone. Old Lu Six might even believe that the true child of destiny for the Lu family in this generation was Lu Qingbang. If he thought that, things would get interesting.

He Lingchuan decided to send a congratulatory gift to Old Lu Six later. Then, he turned to Fang Canran and asked, “By the way, didn’t you mention earlier that you had a new assignment for me?”

In recent months, Lingshan had assigned him several minor tasks through Fang Canran, all located in the surrounding areas. He Lingchuan had completed them with minimal effort, and Lingshan had been very prompt with payments. He knew well that introductory tasks were typically straightforward, designed to build rapport.

“Yes, this time it’s a long list of commissions, and their locations are all relatively close,” Fang Canran said, taking out seven envelopes and placing them on the table. “I’ve decided to assign them all to you at once.” Each envelope was bulging with mission details.

He Lingchuan casually opened two of the envelopes and first checked the locations: “Hmm, are these all in the Glimmering Gold Plains, east of Bailie?”

“Indeed,” Fang Canran confirmed. “It seems to me that Lingshan is now deliberately intervening in the Glimmering Gold Plains and will be paying closer attention to that region.”

“Now?” He Lingchuan asked, almost as an afterthought. “What about before?”

Fang Canran cleared his throat. “I’ve heard—and this is just what I’ve heard—that Lingshan attempted to intervene there several times before, but always failed. It’s the kind of place where outside forces only get mired in trouble and gain nothing.”

Now quite familiar with He Lingchuan, his discretion was less rigid than before. With just a few words, He Lingchuan gathered: First, Lingshan had attempted to intervene in the Glimmering Gold Plains but had never succeeded. Second, despite past failures, it was now willing to try again. Why? What was different about the current timing compared to previous attempts?

Fang Canran then seemed to mention casually, “Over the past year or two, Mou State has recruited quite a number of powerful demons from the Glimmering Gold Plains and brought them back to their homeland.”

He Lingchuan let out a long “Oh.”

“Getting back to business,” Fang Canran explained, “these commissions are all very close to each other, so if you have time, you can complete them in one trip. The best route from the Yangshan Archipelago is by sea: enter the Yiling Strait, then through the Yiling Canal. This bypasses Ya State and allows you to land directly at the westernmost point of the Qian River Basin, which is both fast and convenient.”

Given Island Lord He’s current strained relationship with Ya State, traveling by sea would help avoid potential trouble.

“Of course, if you don’t have time, I won’t push you,” Fang Canran said with a smile. “I can find someone else. However, one of the commissions, the investigation into the ‘Bright Lantern,’ is quite urgent. If you decide not to take it, please let me know as soon as possible.”

“Hmm…” He Lingchuan mused. This particular task had a time limit; once accepted, he would need to travel to the Glimmering Gold Plains quickly. However, this would conflict with his upcoming plans.

To accept or not? He Lingchuan considered it carefully. “Could you give me a day to think it over?” His initial instinct was to decline, but he held back the words.

“Of course,” Fang Canran said, taking a small booklet from his sleeve and handing it over. “My ancestor also traveled east through the Glimmering Gold Plains for seven years. This book contains some of his observations and insights from that journey—everything from peculiar anecdotes and local customs to strange tales. Although more than a hundred years have passed, some of these records might still prove useful to you.”

He Lingchuan took the booklet with both hands, noting the title on the cover: *Eastern Travels Compendium*. Upon flipping to the end, he saw the author listed as Zhenren Weishan.

“Zhenren Weishan?” He Lingchuan was visibly moved. “Is this…?”

“Indeed,” Fang Canran confirmed. “It’s my ancestor, Shao Jian. He used many pseudonyms, and ‘Zhenren Weishan’ was one that few knew.”

“So Mr. Shao also visited the Glimmering Gold Plains?”

“He believed it was one of the best places to disseminate the ‘Punishment Dragon Pillars,’” Fang Canran replied, shaking his head. “It was a fragmented land, a veritable melting pot, where various deities had established their influence and informants. In fact, the Glimmering Gold Plains today are just as chaotic as they were over a hundred years ago.”

The mention of “Punishment Dragon Pillars” made He Lingchuan raise an eyebrow. The secrets of Shao Jian and the Punishment Dragon Pillars were an unspoken understanding between him and Fang Canran, unknown even to Lingshan. Over a century ago, Shao Jian had been tasked by Zhong Shengguang to disseminate the Punishment Dragon Pillars throughout the human realm. As these objects could collect nightmare energy, Shao Jian naturally brought them to remote, chaotic regions where minor deities congregated, ensuring they were far from Beijia. Shao Jian had then wandered across the lands, and He Lingchuan had no idea where he had gone.

Now, Shao Jian’s descendant had presented his writings. As He Lingchuan opened the book, it felt as though he was encountering an old friend, and a sense of melancholy washed over him. Shao Jian and Panlong City, both had vanished with the winds of time. How many now remembered their grand endeavors and indomitable spirit from back then? Only the two men sitting there, Fang Canran and He Lingchuan, carried on their legacy.

Fang Canran was also observing him closely, not missing any subtle change in his expression. Indeed, He Xiao’s connection to Panlong City was far more intricate than he had let on.

He Lingchuan had just returned to the Rinsing Rain Pavilion and hadn’t even had a chance to drink a hot cup of tea when a yellow-billed blackbird suddenly landed on the railing, chirping at him, “Message! Message!” These birds were common in both Qing State and Bailie, often seen in flocks. He Lingchuan’s brow furrowed slightly, as he and Tao Ran used blackbirds for their communications. More than a year ago, he had sent Tao Ran to infiltrate the household of Bailie chieftain Lu Zhensheng. Unexpectedly, the man had proven ambitious and resourceful, rising to become the third steward of the Lu residence, privy to information and often leaking secrets to Yangshan.

Tao Ran had only just delivered intelligence from Bailie yesterday, so why was he sending another message today?

“Speak,” He Lingchuan commanded. Was it urgent, or a sudden development?

“Today, Lu Qinglin led two thousand elite Mou State soldiers into Bailie to reinforce the front lines.”

He Lingchuan spun around abruptly. “What?!” Lu Qinglin had returned with troops? At this precise moment? “How long will he remain in Bailie?”

“I don’t know. I only relayed that single message.”

This piece of intelligence was exceptionally important. He Lingchuan’s mind raced. As he fed the blackbird two spirit pills, he instructed, “Have Tao Ran gather more information.”

“Understood,” the blackbird chirped, then flapped its wings and flew off.

He Lingchuan gazed towards Ding Lake, his expression grim, his hand unconsciously tightening on the railing. It was the Soul-Capturing Mirror that spoke up to warn him, “Hey, you’re about to snap the railing!” He lifted his hand to find a noticeable indentation on the railing.

“Why so upset?” the Soul-Capturing Mirror asked, as He Lingchuan was usually composed; it hadn’t seen him this agitated in a long time. “Did Lu Qinglin spoil your plans?”

He Lingchuan grunted, “It’s a bit troublesome.” His plan to seize Bailie was ready and about to be put into motion. And at this precise moment, Lu Qinglin had returned!

Why would He Lingchuan fear Lu Zhensheng’s second son, even if he was a Mou State general? But Lu Qinglin had returned with two thousand elite Mou State soldiers. This was certainly not a personal decision on his part, but rather Emperor Mou’s direct authorization for Lu Qinglin to lead troops back to his homeland! Therefore, Lu Qinglin’s mission to aid Bailie now had the full backing of the Mou State royal court.

At this juncture, if He Lingchuan were to seize Bailie, he would likely face a direct confrontation with Lu Qinglin and Mou State’s army. This could easily lead to an uncontrollable escalation of the situation. Moreover, Lu Qinglin’s return was to defend his homeland and its borders, a legitimate and righteous cause. If He Lingchuan clashed with him, or even killed or injured him, it would be morally indefensible. Hadn’t He Lingchuan spent considerable financial, human, and energetic resources in Bailie over the past year precisely to win the favor and trust of the Bailie people? Damaging his reputation at this point would be ill-advised.

The Soul-Capturing Mirror seemed perplexed. “Is the situation on Bailie’s eastern front really that bad lately? I haven’t heard anything.”

“Summer grain has just been harvested, making Bailie’s granaries their most bountiful at this time. It’s an old tradition for Ya State to cause trouble then,” He Lingchuan explained. “Ya State is short on grain this year, so naturally, they’d target wealthier regions. The most intense conflicts on Bailie’s eastern front have already been resolved by Lu Qingbang and his sister. There’s still some tension, but it’s not as severe as before.”

The mirror was even more confused. “Then why would Lu Qinglin choose to return at this particular time?”

“Two possibilities,” He Lingchuan replied. “First, Lu Qinglin might have applied to lead troops home when the conflict between Bailie and Ya State intensified, but Mou State only recently granted permission. After all, Mou State is also fighting Beijia, so Lu Qinglin couldn’t just be idle.” He Lingchuan raised a second finger. “The second possibility is that the main Lu clan, or Lu Qinglin himself, felt it was necessary to return at this specific moment.”

“This moment?” the mirror echoed, puzzled. “Lu Qinglin didn’t return when the battle lines were stalemated before. Why is it necessary now?”

“Let me make a cynical guess,” He Lingchuan said with a smile. “Perhaps Old Lu Six’s family has been hogging all the limelight lately.”