However, the Xuanyou Liuli Technique is different; it has no inherent nature. It is like the sky that accommodates everything, and like glazed glass that reflects all. In the history of the grasslands, it has often been used as a supplement to the cultivation system of the cult.

Once one masters this technique, it can effectively unify the physical body,

Marquis Jiang came today with a fishing rod, intending to enjoy leisure in quiet cultivation.

Now holding the fishing rod is not as relaxing, but cultivation is still cultivation.

A clear light of glazed glass circled around him, and he casually instructed, "Chu Yao, take the Taiyi White Tiger stance."

This stance is quite suitable for laying a foundation, aiding Chu Yao in preparing his body before opening his meridians. He had already taught it on the way to the South Border.

"Okay!" Chu Yao quickly put down the palm fan and struck a proper posture on the side, standing in the stance.

Lian Que paid no mind to the master and disciple, casually strengthening the stove’s fire, engrossed in analyzing the water of Chi Pond.

The valley fell silent for a moment, with everyone engaged in their own tasks.

Only the crackling of the firewood in the stove and the occasional sizzle of lightning broke the silence.

Time slipped away quietly like this.

...

When Xue Rushi entered the valley, this is the scene he saw. On the pond, a cultivator sat like Bodhi, fishing alone; beside the pond, a young boy was standing in a bow stance, gritting his teeth; by the stove, an ugly man was thoroughly examining the water, his expression devout—the scene was remarkably harmonious.

He waited quietly at the valley’s entrance without making a sound.

Although he had hurried to visit as soon as he learned of Marquis Wu’an’s arrival in the South Border. Although he visited the residence unsuccessfully and hurriedly followed to the mountains. Although his urgent heart and sincere loyalty sought expression...

He simply waited quietly.

Of course, he knew that Marquis Wu’an would not miss any of it.

"How did Rushi find this place?" Jiang Wang shifted his gaze.

At the same time, he gestured to Chu Yao to rest.

Chu Yao relaxed, and while applying the method taught by his master to stretch and invigorate his body, he curiously studied the newcomer. From his attire and demeanor, he seemed to be a high official.

"Marquis." Xue Rushi respectfully greeted, before saying, "I heard Marquis had arrived at the South Border, so I came to visit as soon as I could. I am eager to hear the Marquis’s teachings, so I chased into the mountains... If I have disturbed Marquis’s leisure, it is truly an unforgivable crime!"

Like Xue Rushi, a Xia general who defected to the light on the battlefield, he now holds a significant position in Xia Territory, thanks to Zhongxuan Sheng’s promise back then. Under the Qi Court’s governance, Summer people are not rejected, because Emperor Qi seeks eternal unification, for all Summer people to become people of Qi.

Especially since Xue Rushi roamed with Jiang Wang and Zhongxuan Sheng during the war, significantly contributing. He participated in persuading surrender, managing captives, and sieging; currently, he is temporarily acting as Feng Li’s Magistrate, just awaiting his cultivation to advance before the ’acting’ title is removed. Compared to the difficult times of earning the Commander position of Dai City, this is far more favorable.

Summer Country uses a provincial city system, where a Magistrate is comparable to Qi Country’s Prefectural Governor, certainly a critical position.

The retention of the old system previously to manage Xia was meant for stability. After this South Border official examination, positions will be redefined, righteous principles integrated, strengthening the Qi Court’s control over South Xia, and each place will naturally transition from provinces to prefectures, aligning with Qi Territory... All of this had been mentioned by Su Guanying.

A Magistrate is indeed a significant officer, yet Xue Rushi refers to himself as a subordinate in front of Jiang Wang, purely as a show of loyalty.

"This visit to South Xia for recuperation made me realize I am still unfamiliar with the area, so your visit is timely, Rushi." Jiang Wang expressed friendliness, introducing them casually, "This is my friend Lian Que, the head of the Nanyao Weapon Casting Clan, and this is my former battlefield general Xue Rushi. We fought side by side, with many thanks to his efforts. He is now the Magistrate of Feng Li."

"Temporarily acting, merely temporarily acting..." Xue Rushi politely greeted Lian Que, "Meeting the master of the holy land of weapon casting today, Xue is truly fortunate!"

Lian Que naturally disliked flattery, but wouldn’t undermine the situation using his friendship with Jiang Wang. He also returned a polite greeting, "Magistrate Xue is indeed outstanding in appearance. It should be me who considers it fortunate."

"This child is my newly received disciple, named Chu Yao." Jiang Wang pointed to Chu Yao for introduction, "Chu Yao, greet them."

Chu Yao politely greeted, "Chu Yao greets Magistrate Xue!"

Xue Rushi smiled and returned the courtesy, "Xue Rushi greets young master."

Chu Yao smiled joyfully, finding the man to be genuinely pleasant.

Jiang Wang casually laid the fishing rod flat on the water’s surface, stood up, and walked beside Xue Rushi, "It’s been a while, shall we take a walk?"

"I would be honored." Xue Rushi quickly turned sideways, allowing Jiang Wang to lead while he followed respectfully, half a step behind.

The two walked out of the valley, traversing through the lush old forest.

Their boots crunched gently on twigs and fallen leaves as they walked.

Returning to the fiefdom at Chi Pond, Xue Rushi’s visit was to be expected. He was initially one of Zhongxuan Sheng’s recruits, performed well in the war, and thus naturally bore the marks of him and Zhongxuan Sheng, aligning with their faction.

But such eagerness to pursue into the old mountain surely indicated other matters.

Jiang Wang speculated it was likely related to the impending South Border official examination. Xue Rushi’s current cultivation was insufficient for the role of Feng Li’s Magistrate. The half-year had passed without his breakthrough to the Outer Building Environment.

If the Nanxia Governor’s Mansion were to be stricter, that ’acting’ title might not just remain, but the deputy position could even be replaced.