Translator: AnubisTL
Qian Hong, clad in vibrant red robes, exuded a cold elegance. Though a hint of worry clouded her brow, she forced a smile upon seeing Li Qing.
Her features were exquisite, her wheat-toned skin radiating health. When she smiled, it was refreshingly bold.
Li Qing shook his head, speaking calmly. "Commander Qian, with the Grassland Marauders' relentless advance, does your family plan to relocate south?"
Relocating south meant crossing the treacherous Small Jade Ridge, a mountain range that stretched across the country from east to west. For ordinary citizens, this would be an arduous task, but for a Martial Clan like the Qian Family, it would be easily achievable.
Hearing the word "relocate," Qian Hong's smile gradually faded. After a long pause, she finally nodded slowly. "Yes, not just the Qian Family. The imperial court is also considering abandoning Shengtian and moving the capital to Fengzhou."
This was highly confidential information. The war had only been raging for a few months, yet the court was already planning to relocate south. If word of this leaked, it would undoubtedly cause widespread chaos.
However, using the natural defenses of towering mountains to halt the Marauders' southward advance could at least spare Maple Country from complete annihilation.
This didn't surprise Li Qing. The heroic act of an emperor defending the nation's borders was, after all, an extremely rare exception.
"As long as the green mountains remain, there's no need to worry about firewood." This was the mindset of most people.
"I've come today to ask you for a favor," Li Qing began.
Qian Hong was slightly taken aback. "What is it, Master Li? Do you also wish to leave with the Qian Family?"
"Though the journey across Small Jade Ridge is perilous, with your martial arts skills, it should be quite easy for you!"
Li Qing shook his head. "No, it's about Master Gu's descendants. I want them to leave with the Qian Family. Once you reach the south, I hope the Qian Family will also help look after them."
Upon hearing this, Qian Hong's expression immediately turned respectful.
In this dire situation, Master Li was still willing to care for his master's descendants. Such character was truly admirable.
If it were an ordinary person, after repaying their debt of gratitude, they likely wouldn't have cared about the family's fate at all.
This Li Qing was indeed a person worth befriending!
Qian Hong silently praised him and readily agreed to Li Qing's request.
"No problem. Master Gu forged my Qing Hong Sword back then. Now that his descendants are in trouble, I should naturally lend them a hand."
Seeing her agree, Li Qing breathed a sigh of relief. Now he had no more worries in Shengtian.
After knowing Qian Hong for so long, he trusted her character completely. She possessed a strong sense of chivalry, so he wouldn't have to worry about Master Gu's family after he left for the south.
"Thank you, Commander Qian!" Li Qing clasped his hands in gratitude.
Qian Hong waved her hand dismissively. "It's a small matter, no need to be so formal. But I'm curious, what are your plans next, Master Li?"
"To continue traveling the world, seeking the path to Grandmaster, and to see all the magnificent landscapes this land has to offer."
As he spoke, Li Qing seemed to exude a newfound air of freedom. It even made his otherwise unremarkable features appear strangely captivating.
Qian Hong's beautiful eyes sparkled with admiration, stirring a longing within her. "Master Li's spirit truly makes me envious."
As Li Qing was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and quickly spoke up:
"Commander Qian, there's one more matter I should tell you truthfully."
Li Qing revealed that Master Gu's pay, sent home from his time in the Wu Li Army, had been embezzled. Upon hearing this, Commander Qian Hong, who had served as a Chiliarch in the army, erupted in fury.
"Is this true?!"
Bang!
She slammed her fist on the table, her willow-leaf eyebrows shooting upward.
"Rest assured, I will personally investigate this matter thoroughly. I will not allow such parasites to join the migration south."
Li Qing paused for a moment, then clasped his hands. "With Commander Qian's words, I am relieved. Farewell!"
"Farewell, Master Li!" Qian Hong returned the gesture.
As soon as Li Qing left, Qian Hong shouted, "Summon someone! I want the names of all Qingzhou officials, large and small, from the past few years!"
After leaving the Maple Guard, Li Qing immediately went to his Senior Brother Gu Yu's home.
"Senior Brother Gu, Shengtian is no longer safe. I've arranged a path for you. You should evacuate south with the others."
Gu Yu stared at Li Qing in disbelief. "Is the situation really that dire? The Grassland Marauders only attacked recently, didn't they?"
Li Qing shook his head. "It's harvest season. The Marauders from the east are advancing relentlessly, with no shortage of supplies. The morale and discipline of our troops are terrifyingly low. Even Shengtian is no longer secure."
"Even if we tried to implement a scorched-earth strategy now, it's too late. If we don't evacuate south, the imperial court will be finished."
Hearing Li Qing's explanation, Gu Yu opened his mouth, his heart filled with relief. If it weren't for his father's disciple, he might still be foolishly staying in Shengtian City, only to be caught in the crossfire when the Grassland Marauders attacked.
"Junior Brother, thank you for this."
Li Qing shook his head, smiling. "No need, Senior Brother. I'm not planning to move south just yet. Once I do, I won't be able to look after you. If you need anything, just go to the Qian Family."
Gu Yu nodded vigorously in agreement.
With that, Li Qing bid farewell to Gu Yu and his family and began rushing around Shengtian.
Amidst the chaos of war, grain prices soared across the land, defying even the abundant harvest of autumn.
However, Li Qing had always been in the habit of stockpiling food, a necessity for feeding his tiger.
In these times, gold and silver were clearly of little value. Li Qing didn't hesitate, completely unfazed by the rising prices. He spent lavishly, purchasing a vast amount of supplies.
The first things Li Qing bought were wine and grain. Next came medicinal herbs and other supplies. He purchased a large quantity of everything, storing it all back at the Blacksmith Shop before transferring it to the World of Eternal Night.
He was lucky to be able to buy these items now. Once news of the court's decision to relocate south spread, even money might not be enough to secure them.
With everything taken care of, Li Qing finally felt at ease.
The era of chaos was approaching, but with his martial arts skills, he was confident in his ability to protect himself. The vast world lay open before him.
Having secured ample supplies of grain, his confidence soared.
If things got too dangerous, he could simply retreat into the deep mountains and forests to focus on his martial arts training. He would emerge only after reaching the Grandmaster Realm.
If that didn't work, he could always escape to the World of Eternal Night.
With his current strength, he wasn't particularly intimidated by the two old men of Giant Rock City. Even if they joined forces, Li Qing was confident he could defeat them.
The only person he truly feared was the mysterious person behind the Red Fish Merchant Guild.
"No matter," Li Qing decided. "First, I need to find a quiet place to train and develop my skills. It would be a shame not to make full use of the Five Poisons Blood-Activating Wine I finally brewed!"
With his decision made, Li Qing summoned Fan Tong, and together, man and tiger left Shengtian, a city soon to become a battleground.
There was no way he could stay in Shengtian any longer. Li Qing predicted that by the following spring at the latest, the Grassland Marauders' iron hooves would trample this once-prosperous capital.
(End of the Chapter)
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