Chapter 415: Uncrowned King of Men

News and books from outside were difficult to obtain.

"However," she continued, "the Yuan Kingdom has another unique aspect: its new monarch is human. The previous demon king abdicated the throne to him on his deathbed. If he were to accept the divine enfeoffment, then perhaps one of the Twelve Demon Kings of Beijia would be a human king, which would be unprecedented."

"Why won't he accept the divine enfeoffment?"

Sun Fuling chuckled, "Who knows? Perhaps everyone has their own aspirations."

When the Demon Emperor grew angry, blood flowed like rivers and corpses piled up like logs. After conquering the Yuan Kingdom, he simply divided it, distributing its territory among five other demon kingdoms, though the most crucial central area was reserved for Lingxu City. The Precious Tree King you just mentioned also received a large, prime piece of land." She sighed softly. "Since then, Beijia has implemented a new law: if war breaks out between demon kingdoms, the other demon kings must remain neutral observers and not intervene."

She stroked the hawk-eagle's head. "I heard from the head of Shumin Academy that the Yuan King's nephew was a close friend and classmate of Commander Zhong. They shared similar aspirations, and Commander Zhong even received a precious sword as a gift from him. When the news of the Yuan Kingdom's fall reached Xiluo, Lord Zhong was greatly saddened and secluded himself for several days."

"A precious sword?" He Lingchuan's mind stirred. "Is it the one with the dragon-head pommel?"

"You ask me, but who should I ask?" Sun Fuling laughed. "Which famous general only owns one weapon?"

He Lingchuan's thoughts moved again. "Was this sword also forged more than twenty years ago?"

"Who knows the exact age? But it's said to have quite a history."

He Lingchuan then asked, "How did Commander Zhong become a classmate of the Yuan King's nephew?"

"Commander Zhong studied in Beijia for six years," Sun Fuling explained. "Beijia is one of the few truly powerful nations in the world, rich in resources and talent. Various countries send their most gifted students there for study. Even now, nobles of all ranks in Xiluo are proud of their academic experience in Beijia. In fact, it's the same for all nations; a Beijia education usually guarantees a high position upon returning home."

He Lingchuan nodded slowly, thinking to himself that Zhong Shengguang's invitation to the Mitian God was clearly not a sudden impulse four years ago. After hearing this detail, the whole situation became even more perplexing.

He said softly, "I also heard that Xiluo intends to move all the residents of Panlong Wilderness back to the country."

Sun Fuling was startled. "Move them where?"

"Back to our home country for resettlement."

"Where did you hear this?"

"The fat man from Yunling Island told me. He probably heard it from a traveling merchant. The news doesn't seem to have spread in Panlong City yet."

"How is that possible?" Sun Fuling shook her head. "Aside from the long and difficult journey back, our motherland doesn't even want us to return."

He Lingchuan was surprised. "Why? Our own country doesn't welcome its citizens?"

"Have you forgotten? Four years ago, our motherland wanted to transfer a contingent of elites from Panlong City to quell a rebellion. Lord Zhong ordered Deputy Commander Jing to lead 40,000 Panlong City troops eastward. These were all military elites and seasoned warriors, and 30,000 common people were also relocated with them. At that time, the entire Panlong City army was only 100,000 strong, which shows Lord Zhong's genuine dedication. However, upon their return, the 40,000 troops were disbanded and integrated into various departments of the official army. Lord Jing was directly given an insignificant position, making him too ashamed to return to Panlong Wilderness to face Commander Zhong again. Later, the route back to the homeland was severed, and Panlong City became isolated once more, losing contact with the motherland."

"Because of this incident, Commander Zhong fell gravely ill from anger," Sun Fuling slowly stated. "Do you think Xiluo wants us back?" Her tone was cold when she referred to Xiluo.

He Lingchuan also sighed. "Why is this the case?"

"The royal court wouldn't specifically explain the reasons to us. But if you look through the historical records, it always comes down to two words: 'apprehension,' doesn't it?" The Panlong City army is an iron hammer, capable of toppling mountains and crushing immortals. If Zhong Shengguang were to lead it back to Xiluo, wouldn't it be just as effective at striking the capital or the king? For a general who enjoys the deep loyalty of both the people and the army, which monarch wouldn't feel apprehension?

Sun Fuling mused, "However, the Panlong military and civilians have been separated from their homeland for over a decade, and their hearts long to return. If this news is true, we will have trouble." The Panlong Wilderness has only been peaceful for a few months. It seems another wave of unrest is about to begin.

"As for him, he lives for the day." He Lingchuan raised his cup to her. "Come, worry less about Commander Zhong."

Sun Fuling smiled, clinking her cup against his.

They looked up and saw two tender green blades of grass striving to grow on the low wall, set against the clear, blue April sky.

Everyone knew they would surely wither in the autumn frost of September.

Yet, at this moment, they thrived.

Humans live one lifetime, plants one autumn; life and death are destined.

All one can truly grasp is the present.

He heard Sun Fuling sigh very, very softly.

They looked at each other in silence.

After an unknown period, a sudden commotion erupted overhead, and two dark objects fell onto the top of the wall.

It turned out to be two plump magpies fighting enthusiastically over a rice cake, cawing and squawking incessantly.

The tranquility of the small courtyard was instantly shattered.

Sun Fuling casually picked up a small stone and flicked it with her finger.

With a "crack," the stone hit the low wall near the magpies, shattering into eight pieces that scattered.

The two magpies, deep in their fierce battle, surprisingly paid no attention.

The hawk-eagle, which had been lurking behind the small table, secretly snatching meat, suddenly leaped up and charged towards them with outstretched wings.

"So, they're pretending it doesn't exist, are they?"

It had hidden so well that the magpies genuinely hadn't seen it until now. Suddenly seeing their predator, they abandoned the rice cake and their fight, squawking as they flew away.

Only two feathers drifted down gently.

The hawk-eagle flew off, pursuing them.

The atmosphere on the ground was unpleasant; perhaps it was better for it to digest its food in the sky.

Seeing their frantic scramble, both of them laughed.

From somewhere, Sun Fuling produced a flute and began to play.

The flute's sound began light and nimble, like a lively kingfisher spreading its wings, darting between the lake and the green grass. Then it gradually rose, becoming like rustling maple leaves, staining the frosty sky…

A single melody traversed the four seasons.

But in the final chapter of winter, she concluded with an uplifting, playful note before smiling at him.

He Lingchuan tapped the beat in admiration. "What a wonderful tune! You are truly optimistic."

She waved the flute. "Being trapped in a city of sorrow only adds to one's worries."

"This flute is a bit special." He Lingchuan had already observed the flute in her hand. It resembled a bamboo joint, but its entire body was bone-white, with a subtle glow upon closer inspection. Most remarkably, there were two bright red circles at the end of the flute, like the eyes of a monster.

"I made it myself. A few years ago, a patrol guard was selling things at a market stall, and among his wares was a section of a celestial centipede's spine. I thought it looked suitable, so I bought it and turned it into a bone flute. The sound quality turned out to be quite good," Sun Fuling said with a smile. "Centipedes usually don't have bones, but only celestial centipedes over three hundred years old can spontaneously grow a small section of hard bone behind their heads, just like this."

"And these two red circles?"

"They're marks left after it was injured and then healed. I thought they looked quite symmetrical, so I kept them," Sun Fuling said, handing him the flute. "Would you like to try?"

He Lingchuan honestly replied, "I can't play it. I don't know how to play any musical instruments." He only knew how to play the harmonica, but that was useless here. As for the original He Dasha, there was no hope there.

"Wuxiantang offers music classes, and the lecturer is a great beauty. Apparently, every class is packed with listeners. You mean you've never attended?"

"No, cough, there are classes like that?" On the Wuxiantang notice board, he only paid attention to topics like cultivation, rare artifacts, history, military strategy, and even herb identification. As for music... had there ever been an announcement about it on the board? How had he never noticed? "I'll make time to listen next time."

Sun Fuling glanced at him. "Do you want to learn? I can teach you."

"Sure!" He Lingchuan had an idea. "Oh, right, I also want to learn the xun. Do you know how to play that?" He had almost forgotten that he still had a xun in his possession, also known as: Old Lady Zhu's eye socket!

"Wait here." Sun Fuling stood up, propped herself against the wall with one hand, and deftly flipped back into her own house.

When she reappeared, she was holding a seven-holed clay xun.

"Um, do you have a nine-holed one?" Old Lady Zhu's eye socket was a nine-holed xun.

"They're all similar; master one, master them all," Sun Fuling said, playing a tune on it. The xun's sound was very ancient and rustic, distinctly different from the flute's flowing melody.

"Where did you learn so many instruments, Shumin Academy?"

"When I was young, my father was busy and didn't have time to look after me, so I taught myself some," Sun Fuling chuckled. "But you're right; apart from the xiao and dizi flutes, all other instruments I learned at Shumin Academy."

"Alright, you try it first." She handed him the clay xun. "Let's see your musical sense."

Seeing her unconsciously become serious, He Lingchuan suddenly remembered something.

Oh, damn it, had he lost his mind? Why had he actively sought out a lesson? The person before him was a demanding teacher with high standards!

Another day passed, and the Stonegate merchant caravan, having completed its procurement, finally left Tong City and continued northward.

Recalling Fu Shanyue's menacing expression before he left, He Lingchuan asked the staff to inquire about any unusual activity inside or outside the city. It seemed there was nothing major, just that a village in the suburbs had caught fire that night, killing several people.

After two more days of travel, the caravan finally left the border of the Precious Tree Kingdom and entered Twilight Plains. This area was originally part of the Yuan Kingdom. After its collapse, it came under the direct jurisdiction of Lingxu City, with local officials directly appointed by the royal court. He Lingchuan noticed that once they entered Twilight Plains, the entire team seemed to relax. Their steps became lighter, and they often gathered to whisper about something before bursting into laughter. Even Old Liu, the usually quiet stableman, silently held up two fingers when asked how many hours he wanted to sleep.

He asked Shi Ergong, "Why are they so happy?"

Shi Ergong chuckled, "How could they not be happy? Ahead is Tongluo County, a famous pleasure hub in Twilight Plains. These young lads all have some money in their purses, ready to go there and enjoy themselves." They had been out for more than half a month on this journey, encountering constant unexpected events and almost losing their lives passing through Wind Demon Mountain. With a "haven of pleasure" ahead, who wouldn't want to relax?

"We've been to Fufeng City and Tong City; they had everything one could want. Why weren't they so joyful then?"

"Ah, that's different. Tongluo County is known for being both cheap and good. You'll understand once you've been there."