The intangible killing intent caused the temperature in the air to plumt. Tian Ling, who was on the phone, inexplicably felt a chill run through his entire body.
This… this… His strength, it seems…
Before the call even connected, he looked at the disheveled man before him in astonishnt. Tian Ling took a deep breath, and before he could ponder further, Ji Ping's slightly weary voice ca through the phone.
「About half an hour later.」
Accepting Tian Ling's invitation, Ji Ping, the Commander of the Ten Thousand Martial Guards, arrived at the Tian residence with a complex mix of emotions.
During this period, Cangyun City was in turmoil. Various forces were hustling about, and the Ten Thousand Martial Guards had naturally beco a target for many. In this one day alone, Ji Ping had already t with no fewer than five groups of visitors. So were from noble clans, but most were colleagues from high-ranking positions within the Martial Departnt.
So beat around the bush, trying to learn his plans for the next day while indirectly warning him not to act rashly. Others brought lavish gifts, hoping that he, as a Commander, would express his support at the critical mont.
Military Generals, unlike their civil official counterparts, were not adept at such cunning and conniving. The constant scheming left Ji Ping feeling utterly exhausted. Within the halls of power, especially after reaching a certain level, handling matters improperly could not only impede one's future but also lead to serious trouble. It was like walking on thin ice.
Having just finished dining with a few nobles, Ji Ping had not yet had a chance to relax when the old general Tian Ling called, saying there was an important matter to discuss.
Could it be that this old general, with his considerable prestige in the Martial Departnt, is also coveting sothing?
"Sigh…" Ji Ping rubbed his temples, his exhaustion evident. "Tomorrow, all the heavy hitters will make their appearance. It's going to be quite a scene. Ever since he left, Cangyun City has been peaceful for far too long."
Because of Chen Yang, he had a good relationship with several mbers of the Elders' Court. With the situation having progressed this far, it stood to reason that Elders Jin Zheng and Wu Xing would not just sit idly by. Yet, despite the chaos outside, these two elders, still in office, showed no intention of intervening.
This had led Ji Ping to visit them early that morning. However, the only response he received was a succinct ssage relayed by one of Jin Zheng's subordinates. It roughly stated that they should let the others make a fuss, as soone would inevitably grow tired of it and intervene forcefully. At that point, he, as a Commander, would know what to do.
Soone would intervene forcefully?
Amid his slight excitent, Ji Ping was also filled with puzzlent. Countless speculations flashed through his mind, but he could not arrive at a concrete answer.
Under the butler's guidance, Ji Ping t Tian Ling. With him was another guest, curiously dressed.
"General Tian." Ji Ping took the initiative to greet him.
"Commander Ji," Tian Ling stepped forward with a smile. "I'm sorry to bother you so late. He wants to see you."
Oh? Since he hadn't been told this over the phone, Ji Ping frowned slightly and subconsciously looked at the man dressed in coarse linen.
A scruffy beard, an unkempt appearance, and a world-weary air. Upon closer inspection, this was…
Ji Ping's eyes widened in astonishnt, and he froze completely. A mont later, he finally regained his senses. "Commander?"
It's really him! In that instant, he understood the aning behind Jin Zheng's words. Yes, as long as this man was around, how could he possibly turn a blind eye? If he intervened, how could I not know what to do? So that's how it is… Haha… Ji Ping was overjoyed, his laughter unceasing. You've finally returned.
He had been absent for nearly a year, and rumors swirled that he was either dead or disabled. Yet here he was, not only unhard but seemingly more vigorous than ever.
Ji Ping strode forward, his back straight as an arrow, and saluted respectfully. "This subordinate, Ji Ping, greets the Commander."
This was not a re habit, nor did the words simply slip out. In the eyes of n like him, Chen Yang would forever be their Supre Martial Commander, the one true Commander of this fervent land. His word carried more weight than anyone else's.
"I'm not that anymore." Chen Yang shook his head with a helpless smile and waved his hand. "I ca in such a hurry that I forgot to tidy up my appearance."
In truth, Chen Yang had long grown accustod to this languid state. It was precisely this state that had allowed his mind to achieve a great sense of elevation. Carefree and at ease.
"Commander, are you doing well now?" Ji Ping couldn't help but ask. Beside him, Tian Ling's ears perked up; in truth, this question was on the minds of countless people.
Chen Yang simply smiled faintly. "Very well."
Ji Ping and Tian Ling exchanged a glance.
"Commander, the Great Elder's funeral tomorrow is bound to be anything but peaceful. Many are harboring their own agendas, and I'm afraid they might…"
Chen Yang cut him off. "I'm aware. Summon three thousand n, n you can trust, and put them on combat readiness."
"As you command!" Ji Ping saluted. His previous fatigue vanished in an instant, replaced by a fervent expression seething with killing intent.
Tian Ling asked, "Commander, what should I do?"
"Just be present tomorrow," Chen Yang instructed. "Also, spread the word that Chen Yang has returned to Cangyun City."
After speaking, he patted Ji Ping on the shoulder and strode out of the Tian residence, leaving Tian Ling and Ji Ping looking at each other in bewildernt.
Such a high-profile move… he must be planning sothing big!
「Half an hour after Chen Yang's departure.」
The news of the Forr Chief Military Commander's return to Cangyun City after nearly a year's absence swept across the entire city like a raging hurricane.
"Didn't they say he was as good as dead? How has he returned?"
"Tomorrow is the Great Elder's funeral. For him to return at this ti, he must be planning to…"
A single stone stirred a thousand ripples. All sorts of discussions arose, reaching a fever pitch. So were expectant, while others were hesitant; after all, this man had once left deep psychological scars on countless people.
But even more pervasive was doubt. Was this news deliberately released amidst such turbulence to scare people off and ensure the funeral proceeded smoothly?
Throughout the city, a restless unease began to stir. If the Forr Chief Military Commander had truly returned, it was unlikely he was here just for the funeral. His re appearance would surely provoke a strong reaction from certain parties.
Or perhaps he was going to reclaim his position and take command of the Five Directions Martial Guards?
Opinions were varied and rumors ran rampant. This night in Cangyun City was destined to be a sleepless one.
「At this ti.」
The city lights were sparse, but the streets still bustled with traffic. Chen Yang walked alone along a busy street, accompanied only by his solitude, undisturbed. He passed the banks of the Eight Hundred Li Hongzhi River, where the neon lights reflected off the shimring water. The mories of past campaigns, commanding armies at his beck and call, truly brought a sigh to his lips.
Following the bank of the Qingyuan River, he walked all the way to the city plaza.
Chen Yang stood silently, his radiant eyes gazing at the starry sky. The splendid Milky Way hung overhead, the crescent moon like a hook.
The day he returned to the Martial Departnt would be the day he led his troops on a southern expedition.
Horses would tread upon the Southern Mountains, their iron hooves shattering the landscape.
He would gallop across the seven nations, his might suppressing the current age.
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