...........
The morning sun rose. Miao Youfang sat cross-legged in a valley, facing the roaring campfire as he bit into some grass roots.
Hong Ying held two large birds, which he had caught when picking up Miao Youfang.
"Such generosity, such generosity..."
Miao Youfang enjoyed being treated like a VIP and felt slightly embarrassed.
"It’s my duty. Brother Miao is Silver Bell's disciple, making you a special guest. Welcoming distinguished guests means ensuring they are well-fed, which is our responsibility."
Hong Ying didn't resemble a Fourth Stage expert; he seemed more like an experienced courtier skilled in social graces.
Seeing Miao Youfang constantly scrutinizing the two female demons outside the cave entrance, Hong Ying beckoned them over:
"Come here."
The two female demons hesitated before stepping forward.
"What can I do for you, Guardian Hong?"
Hong Ying scolded them:
"The wood in your heads! Serve our distinguished guest. Brother Miao has fought many battles with Silver Bell and is a great personage among the human race. You must treat him well. If there's anything lacking, see how I punish you."
This bird demon knew exactly what to do...... Miao Youfang felt his spirits lift as he waved them off:
"It’s too much praise. I only fought a few devils with Silver Bell. I mostly helped out; it was because of Silver Bell's great strength."
Hong Ying's eyes lit up: "Brother Miao, we need to discuss this properly."
The initially reluctant female demons quickly sat down and began serving Miao Youfang on either side.
...........
Another early morning.
Strengthened by Seven An Xu carried his younger sister and teacher aboard the warship as they walked across a wooden plank leading from the dock.
Three warships, each carrying 1,000 troops and officers in total.
The military system of Great Favored was the Garrison System, which evolved from the military system of Former Great Zhou, the Conscription System. The advantage of this system was that it significantly reduced the state's military expenses while ensuring troops were dispersed across different regions to quickly gather forces, suppress rebellions, and prevent commanders from hoarding power.
Therefore, for this deployment, only 300 soldiers from the capital region were sent, with the rest drawn from other regions.
"Seven An, be careful!"
His aunt shouted from the dock:
"If you run into trouble..."
She paused, suddenly thinking of her master's reliability.
Uncle Seven quickly said: "Try to contact your big brother."
Strengthened by Seven An nodded as he carried a large backpack heavier than himself and said:
"Mom, I’m off to war!"
The soldiers and civilians at the dock looked surprised.
A child was mixed among the troops, which alone attracted attention.
When they heard it was for battle...
Uncle Seven got alarmed and shouted: "You’re not going to war. You’re coming back home with your master. Don’t talk nonsense."
Little Bean had always thought he was off to fight.
Doubts from various directions scrutinized Strengthened by Seven An Xu.
Masked Strenghened by Moon called out loudly:
"Seven An, as Silver Bell's sister, don't disappoint everyone’s expectations."
Instantly, doubts and discontent transformed into warmth and friendliness.
After a tussle, the master and apprentice were led back to the cabin by Strengthened by Seven An.
With the right time, the warship set sail far away.
Strengthened by New Year arranged his little sister and Lena in a neighboring room on board:
"Stay in your room and don’t run around. Don't cause trouble.
Lena, don’t accept anything from others or befriend officers."
Although Lena was a Fourth Stage expert, her greedy and innocent nature would easily fall prey to underhanded tactics.
"Hmm-hmm!"
Lena nodded emphatically.
She wasn’t afraid of poisons; as a girl raised in the South Frontier, even not being part of the Poison Clan, she still excelled at identifying and resisting toxins.
Besides, poisons that could render or kill a Fourth Stage were too precious for ordinary people to use.
Strengthened by Seven An felt Lena was just an unworldly bookworm with no need to explain these things to her.
After settling his two wives, Strengthened by Seven An returned to his study to read military texts and analyze the situation in Qingzhou.
Meanwhile, Lena took Strengthened by Seven An out for a stroll on deck. They arrived at the main deck together.
Facing the cold wind, both master and apprentice’s eyes sparkled.
This was their first time setting sail on such an adventure.
"Who are you related to Silver Bell?"
A voice came from behind them.
Lena turned around to see a short, thick-set man with the side of his face covered. His piercing gaze fixed on Lena and Strengthened by Seven An Xu.
"Who are you?"
Lena spoke in poor Mandarin:
"I am Commander Chen Xiao of the Garrison Infantry Regiment!"
The middle-aged officer bowed: "Summer Time, I accompanied Silver Bell during the Blood Butcher Case investigation three thousand miles north. Just now, I heard this young lady is Silver Bell's sister."
........