Chapter 1322: Dark Currents Surge

**Chapter 1308: Undercurrents**

"That couldn't have been carved by hand, because it hasn't existed for long," Prefect Doyun said.

"Perhaps it's some kind of divine power," the Demon Emperor mused. "What is the origin of that cavalry?"

"Unknown for now," Prefect Doyun replied. "The leader also wears a dragon-head mask."

"Hmph, just theatrics," the Demon Emperor said, lowering its dragon head from the pillar. "If I recall correctly, dragon-head totems have appeared elsewhere before, such as in Yuancheng and Panlong City. But they couldn't possibly last for only three days! We have specialists researching this domestically; I'll have them find the relevant information!"

Beijia was also once interested in the dragon-head totems and sent specialists to record and inspect them. Whether in Yuancheng or Panlong City, the dragon-head totems had always lasted for at least years. There was no precedent for them disappearing in just three days.

Nevertheless, this matter successfully piqued the Demon Emperor's interest. It asked Prefect Doyun, "Will you investigate, or shall I?"

Prefect Doyun didn't answer directly, but instead asked, "The nightmare energy in various regions, including Golden Flash Plain, needs to be increased."

The Demon Emperor grew impatient. "I will send a message to Qingyang and tell her to exert more effort."

Only then did Prefect Doyun say, "I believe Vice Prefect Bai would be the most suitable person for the investigation."

The Demon Emperor glanced at him, a little surprised. To send Bai Ziqin, the Celestial Palace's Prefect Doyun Envoy, for a mere anomaly and a few totems in Golden Flash Plain? Was this an overreaction, or was it personal gain disguised as official duty? Lingxu City was far from Golden Flash Plain; it would take Bai Ziqin at least half a year to reach the plain from here.

However, as this was an internal Celestial Palace matter, the Demon Emperor found it inconvenient to inquire further. It simply uttered "Good" and closed its eyes, resuming meditation. Inside the grand hall, clouds and mist began to swirl once more.

Prefect Doyun knew it was being dismissed, so he turned and left the Paiyun Hall. The misty vapor he inhaled was cold, and Prefect Doyun couldn't help but cough a few times as soon as he left the hall. After more than a decade on the throne, the Emperor was growing increasingly assertive. "Alas," he thought, "my job is becoming more and more difficult."

***

At Youhu Cottage in Yu Nation's capital.

Youhu Lake is the largest lake in the outskirts of Yu Nation's capital, but most residents are unaware that deep within its shallow grass and green waves lies a secluded paradise. It secretly held eight of Youhu Lake's most exquisite scenic spots, but it only hosted royalty and nobility, never opening to outsiders. The buildings of Youhu Cottage were half-hidden in the forest, capable of accommodating at least seven or eight hundred people. This spring, however, it hosted only one distinguished guest.

During Youhu Lake's most enchanting season, this guest reclined on a lakeside wicker chair, eyes closed, savoring the gentle, warm spring breeze. Peach blossoms covered the mountains, painting a vibrant spring. Reflected in the mirror-like lake, they tinted the sky pink.

The Bixia envoy approached, led by an attendant. Even with a heavy heart, the envoy couldn't help but pause at the sight of the picturesque scenery. The person he sought was within this living painting. Even as the envoy drew near, the person remained with eyes closed, resting, covered by a thin blanket. A maidservant beside her held up a canopy, shielding her from the dazzling sunlight. The attendant led the envoy to this spot, not daring to speak or disturb. He merely bowed to the distinguished guest and quietly withdrew.

A few peach petals drifted down silently. The envoy stood by, his mouth seemingly sealed, not daring to speak rashly, or even stare at the person before him. After an unknown time, as a thrush in the woods sang a few melodious notes, the woman slowly opened her eyes and sat up slightly.

As she stirred, a maidservant immediately held up a tray, presenting a cup of warm tea. The tea was also peach-colored; after drinking, it clung to her lips, making them appear even more vivid. She slowly took two sips, wiped her lips with a silk handkerchief, and said without looking up, "Have a seat."

He could now speak. The Bixia envoy immediately stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Grand Regent, I hope you are well!"

The female guest reclining by the lake was, of course, Qingyang, the Grand Regent of Yu Nation and the former Imperial Advisor of Beijia. If her old acquaintance He Lingchuan were here, he would notice she was different from before. Over three years ago, when He Lingchuan met Imperial Advisor Qingyang, she appeared to be just over thirty, with a head of dark hair, in her prime. Her elegance and demeanor outshone the noblewomen of Lingxu City. Now, Qingyang was still regal, but her temples were streaked with white, and wrinkles had crept to the corners of her eyes. Though her complexion remained rosy, her cheekbones were lean and high, not as full as before. Time had finally asserted its power over her.

A maidservant nearby brought a brocade stool. The Bixia envoy sat up straight and quickly continued, "Grand Regent, your birthday is approaching. I, your humble envoy, have been instructed by my clan leader to present eight carts of birthday gifts to you! I wish the Grand Regent boundless fortune and longevity. The gifts are currently placed..." They were already at Youhu Cottage.

Imperial Advisor Qingyang smiled faintly. "That's very thoughtful. Please convey my thanks to Clan Leader Bixia on my behalf." Her birthday was seven days away. She was accustomed to these minor places, where even sending a gift or saying a few congratulatory words felt undignified. She had long since left Lingxu City, a place of glamour and influence.

"Yes!" the Bixia envoy quickly responded, "My lord originally intended to come and offer his congratulations in person, but unfortunately, the front lines are pressing, and our homeland is in imminent danger. He simply cannot spare the time."

"You seem quite eager," she remarked, noting his haste to get to the point. Imperial Advisor Qingyang glanced at him. "The allied forces organized by the Situ family have stopped their northern offensive, and your subsequent supplies have caught up. Both urgent crises have been resolved, so what is there to worry about?"

The envoy hurriedly said, "This is all thanks to the Grand Regent..."

Qingyang raised a hand to interrupt him. "What does this have to do with me? It's all the result of your own efforts."

The envoy immediately realized his mistake. "The Grand Regent possesses the magic touch of turning stone into gold. It's just that..."

Qingyang took another sip of flower tea. "Go on."

"The other allied armies are manageable, but the Situ family is exceptionally stubborn. Their stance suggests they intend to fight us to the death."

At the mention of the Situ family, Qingyang showed some interest. "I recall that after the fall of Gaopu Nation, you repeatedly pushed Situ Yu to the brink. How has the tide turned such that he is now gaining power?"

The envoy stammered. Even Bixia himself wasn't entirely clear on this matter, so how could he answer? Qingyang, as the Grand Regent of Yu Nation, had long seen through the current situation. She now raised a slender finger. "King Xuanlu the Ghost King."

"Yes, yes, King Xuanlu was suddenly destroyed, and our elite troops also lost control. This incident truly caught us off guard." The vanguard unit controlled by King Xuanlu was incredibly effective. After Bixia tried it twice, many tactics were formulated around it. As a result, King Xuanlu suddenly vanished, and several of Bixia's elite armies suddenly became mediocre, making it impossible to continue their difficult attacks. The Situ army's repeated counterattacks disrupted Bixia's formation.

Qingyang raised a second finger. "Logistics and supplies."

Lack of food and clothing was the norm for neighboring powers at war. Apart from Yu Nation, how many other countries' armies could fight while being well-fed and warmly clothed? Armies having to starve while still fighting the enemy truly tested the generals' leadership.