Chapter 038: Learning the Truth

Therefore, both Da Niu and Yang Huzi, who had broken through in Qingyang City earlier, were in high spirits every day, ruthlessly pummeling the others until their faces were battered and bruised, sometimes even left with scars. Yet, every night, Fang Xian would give them a pill, and by the next day they’d be fully recovered, ready for another round. Under such intense pressure, Gan Scar and Chen Bald finally broke through one after another. They soon joined the ranks of those doling out beatings, so that Liu Er Leng, Xiong Half-blind, Zhao Half-coin, and Li Big-flag became the most miserable victims in the end.

Although the four had yet to break through, the days of beatings had allowed them to accumulate experience fighting first-rate experts, and occasionally, they could even strike back. Fang Xian believed that soon after their return to the stronghold, these four would achieve breakthroughs, and the number of first-rate experts in Qingyun Stronghold would surge explosively.

A sharp cry echoed overhead as the King Falcon soared joyfully, circling above. It seemed to sense that it was finally going home and was especially excited. Its form had grown noticeably larger, its speed and strength greatly increased.

Fang Xian named his two pets King Falcon and King Tiger, trusting that, after consuming the Blood Contract Pill, they would become monarchs among their kind, reigning supreme over sky and earth respectively.

When Fang Xian was still a few miles from the stronghold, Ye Hongxiu led a team to greet him. King Falcon had already flown ahead, circling above the stronghold and letting out its resounding cry, sending a message to Ye Hongxiu.

“Husband, you’re finally back.” Seeing Fang Xian returning astride the mighty tiger, Ye Hongxiu, both shocked and delighted, leapt onto the tiger’s back, landing in his arms.

King Tiger was initially restless, but after Fang Xian communicated his thoughts, it immediately calmed and lay still. Yet it still terrified the horses that had come out from the stronghold, causing them to panic.

“These days away, I missed my wife dearly. Has anything happened in the stronghold?” Fang Xian held her tightly, noting that a certain part of her seemed to have grown larger again.

“All is well here. I’ve been keeping a close eye on the training camp. About ten days ago, Wei Qi’an of Wu Dynasty left for the city, saying he was preparing the first batch of supplies for the stronghold.”

Ye Hongxiu nestled in Fang Xian’s arms, refusing to move. Fang Xian urged King Tiger up the mountain, while the other horses followed at a distance, not daring to approach the tiger.

“Da Niu, has our son-in-law really tamed a tiger?” The soldiers of the stronghold crowded around Da Niu, eager for news.

“Our son-in-law is truly extraordinary. You all know that King Falcon, soaring above, is his pet, and now the king of beasts on land has been tamed by him as well. This is remarkable. If we all listen to him, good fortune surely awaits us.” Da Niu said excitedly.

Gan Scar and the others kept their mouths tightly shut, saying nothing. Fang Xian had already told them to return home and rest upon arrival, and to report their breakthrough to the old stronghold master the next day. No one else was to speak of it.

“Heavens, look! Our son-in-law’s come back riding a tiger!”

“He’s truly a supernatural man!”

“Look, the young mistress is riding the tiger too!”

As Fang Xian rode the tiger back to the mountain, the entire Qingyun Stronghold was in an uproar. Fang Xian was once again enveloped in an aura of mystery—not just a divine doctor, but a person of legend.

“King Tiger, from now on you’ll roam the back mountain. Remember, do not harm the people, horses, or livestock of the stronghold. If you need food, hunt wild beasts deep in the mountains. When I have time, I’ll let you visit your cubs.” Reaching the summit, Fang Xian and Ye Hongxiu dismounted, and Fang Xian stroked King Tiger’s head, admonishing it.

A thunderous roar erupted from King Tiger as it nodded its massive head and bounded toward the back mountain, disappearing into the forest. Its roar sent chills through everyone in the stronghold, making even the warhorses weak at the knees.

“Nephew, what skill you have, taming even a fierce tiger. Your second uncle truly admires you.” Zhou Boxiong praised with a smile.

“Big brother, with a tiger in the stronghold, won’t the warhorses be frightened? If they’re all scared off, that would be big trouble.” Huang Yuantao worried aloud.

“No need to worry, third uncle. I see it as a good thing. In the future, let my husband bring King Tiger around the stronghold from time to time. Once our warhorses get used to its presence, they won’t panic on the battlefield.” Ye Hongxiu replied with a smile.

“Father, I’ve acquired many rare medicinal herbs in Qingyang City, and have established ties with Li Changlin, the prefect of Qingyang, and Shen Zhongliang, the wealthiest man in Qingyang. Thus, I’ve fulfilled the task you assigned me.” Fang Xian addressed Ye Qingyun with a bow, explaining his sudden departure from the stronghold.

“Good. Third brother, General Wei has been gone for ten days. Any news?” Ye Qingyun nodded, then turned to Huang Yuantao.

“Big brother, gathering supplies takes time. We should have word soon.” Huang Yuantao replied calmly, never once looking at Fang Xian, as if he didn’t exist.

“Very well. We’ll wait for his news. When Wu Dynasty’s supplies arrive, we’ll begin our next step.” Ye Qingyun concluded.

Upon returning to their quarters, Fang Xian and Ye Hongxiu went together to Ye Qingyun’s room, recounting in detail the events after leaving the mountain, including Fang Xian’s practice as a divine doctor in Qingyang City and the information he gathered about Wu Dynasty.

“As you guessed, Wu Dynasty has fallen into internal and external turmoil. Externally, four countries eye its lands, intent on carving up its territory. Internally, the crown prince suffers from consumption and may never ascend the throne. Other princes are building their own factions and have begun vying for succession. Marshal Hong is the maternal uncle of the ninth prince, and Wei Qi’an is naturally a supporter of the ninth prince.” Fang Xian finished.

“It seems third brother has pledged allegiance to the ninth prince. But why hasn’t he told us? If he has truly thrown in his lot with the ninth prince, a word to me would be enough for Qingyun Stronghold to support him. Yet his silence—what does it mean?” Ye Qingyun frowned, questioning the two.

Fang Xian merely shook his head, but Ye Hongxiu spoke for him: “My husband hesitates because you might be displeased, thinking he’s sowing discord among old brothers. But I must say, third uncle’s actions show the ninth prince has promised him high rank and great reward, stirring disloyalty toward the stronghold.”

“Why would he do this? We old brothers fought our way out of encirclement together, and his wife died at the hands of soldiers. Has he forgotten? If the whole stronghold supports him, his merit would surely be greater and his future undiminished. Why be so selfish?” Ye Qingyun murmured in pain.

“Father, you are a grandmaster of transformation. If you pledge allegiance to the ninth prince, your rewards will far exceed his. With you leading, his merit would diminish. So he desires more merit for himself, even if it means sacrificing the stronghold’s interests. Perhaps, in their plans, even you, father, are but cannon fodder. Once they’ve used you, they’ll likely see you dead, and Hongxiu and I would fare even worse.” Fang Xian finally ventured.

“Xian’er, you’ve been away long. You two must have much to talk about. Go and rest early.” Ye Qingyun nodded to the pair.

“Father, one more thing. I saved the only son of the master of Flying Phoenix Ridge. She is willing to form an alliance with Qingyun Stronghold. If we unify the Grand Bashan Mountains in the future, Flying Phoenix Ridge is willing to join us.” Fang Xian said before leaving, deciding to inform him, though not in detail.

“How is Flying Phoenix Ridge? It seems just an ordinary stronghold.” Ye Hongxiu asked on the way back.

“It’s much smaller than Qingyun Stronghold, with just over a thousand people and five or six hundred soldiers. But their potential is great, as their master is a grandmaster of transformation.” Fang Xian whispered.