Chapter 507: Chapter 169: You Take the Lead, I Follow—Co-Ruling the Western Pole, How About It?

In the Cloud Mountain Path’s social world, many people still hold grudges against the barbarians, and these people have instead moved to the cities of Shuiye, Eighth Company, and Falling Wood.

Among them were the previous "Black Sword" Meng Nan and "White Sword" Jiang Shu.

These people do not trust the barbarians but have a sense of great righteousness, so they spontaneously became "gatekeepers," wanting to keep an eye on these crude and violent barbarians. If the barbarians revolt, they will be the first to convey the information, allowing the cities behind to prepare.

As for that Great Barbarian King, they regard him with disdain.

Even though the Great Barbarian King saved this place, even directly saving some of them, they still don’t care.

In the eyes of these chivalrous knights, the Great Barbarian King, being a strong figure from the Central Plains, actually joined the Ice Barbarians, which is to lose one’s identity; the people of Cloud Mountain Path suffer, he ought to have slaughtered the barbarians utterly, yet he becomes the Great Barbarian King, which is to defect to the enemy camp.

The murmuring voices arose with the wind but drifted into the ears of Li Yuan, who was standing atop the city wall.

At this moment, Li Yuan was discreetly wearing a mask, wrapped in a gray hooded cloak.

Beside him, Tang Nian and Xiaozhao were the same.

For strong individuals like Li Yuan and Tang Nian, they naturally have keen senses, and these scattered words all fell into their ears.

Although Xiaozhao’s perception was not strong, the ravens flying around also heard quite a bit.

Tang Nian spoke angrily, "Godfather, these people really don’t appreciate kindness.

They think they are righteous, not tolerating a speck of sand in their eyes, but they don’t know that the Ice Barbarians can also become a strong ally.

Once the Ice Barbarians and Cloud Mountain Path merge as one, the strength of Cloud Mountain Path will also rise. At that time, even if there’s danger, it can be averted, at least not easily invaded.

Second Mother has told me many times, if her Cloud Mountain Commerce Association could have a few Sixth Grade warriors in command, they would never be infiltrated recklessly.

Godfather turns enemies into friends, aiming to build a stronger alliance, and yet these people..."

Li Yuan raised his hand to interrupt her, saying, "Niannian, I am not angry... on the contrary, I am very happy."

He laughed, "In this world, having such knights willing to sacrifice for justice is indeed a blessing."

Tang Nian said, "But... they secretly curse you."

Li Yuan laughed heartily, "Let them curse, so what. Do I lose a piece of flesh or what?

Besides, I acted so brutally that even the barbarians didn’t dare to speak, yet they dare to curse; doesn’t this show their courage?

I like these people.

Don’t you... like them too?

Otherwise, why berate them in front of me, venting my anger, to prevent me from killing them?"

Tang Nian smiled, "Can’t hide anything from you, Godfather.

Rest assured, Godfather, these misunderstandings are temporary.

Now the roads are blocked by snow, waiting until spring when the snow melts and farming begins, the Demon Beasts in the mountains cause havoc, frequently sneaking into the cities to attack villagers. At that time, with the Ice Barbarians around, those Demon Beasts won’t dare act recklessly.

And the Ice Barbarians would also be curious about farming, then I will personally come to host, ensuring the people and the Ice Barbarians coexist harmoniously."

"Hmm, good."

Li Yuan replied, slightly raising his head again, taking a deep breath, reaching out to touch the hair of another girl by his side, saying, "Xiaozhao, did I scare you?"

The girl said, "Father is quite scary. I didn’t know father had this side before..."

Li Yuan said, "Let me explain this matter to you in detail. Father acts this way because of the peculiar nature of the barbarians..."

Saying this, he began to dissect his thoughts one by one, letting his daughter understand some truths: sometimes, the more brutal, the more terrifying, the more it brings peace.

He is his daughter’s umbrella.

Yet, the daughter ultimately has her own life.

He hopes his daughter steps out from under the umbrella, into the sunlight, and enjoys the fleeting hundred years.

And he...

It’s about time to visit the Immortal Tomb.

But before going, he has one place to visit, to see one person, someone who never abandoned him at his lowest moments.

...

...

Deep mountains.

Stone house.

The house and courtyard are immaculately tidy.

A tall, fair-skinned beautiful woman is splitting wood and starting a fire under the winter sun...

Soon, smoke rises in spirals.

No knowing of time in the mountains, days pass without knowing the years.

Zhenyan Xue doesn’t know how much time has passed or what is happening outside.

Her husband asked her to wait for two years.

But she is prepared to wait a lifetime.

Whoosh~~

She gently stirs the fish soup in the pot with a wooden spoon, then pours it into a bowl, holding it in both hands. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Whoosh~~

She blows the steam floating over the soup bowl aside, sitting on a stone in the courtyard that can serve as a chair.

Looking into the distance, hoping for her husband’s return, recalling past events.

The year and more together allowed her to finally understand one thing: her husband Zhenyan Yuan must not be an ordinary person, not likely a hunter’s son.

Perhaps her husband’s approach towards her had a certain purpose.

But so what?

What lies in Zhenyan Xue’s heart is not resentment, but fear.

She’s afraid her husband might abandon her...

The bowl of fish soup finished, she stood up, gently sighed, preparing to go serve a second bowl.

But at this moment, a voice came from behind her.

"Hey..."

She turned around, seeing a familiar figure lounging against the wooden gate of the fence, smiling at her.

"I’m back."

Zhenyan Xue stood as if frozen, still holding the bowl in her hands.

The next moment, that figure floated down before her, gently holding her close.

"The bowl hasn’t been put down yet," Zhenyan Xue reminded.

Li Yuan ignored her, lifted her horizontally, striding into the house.

Zhenyan Xue tossed the bowl aside, softly saying, "Haven’t brushed your teeth yet."