The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1475: Encountering Xu Fu Again

"Commander Ma, the mountain forest where the rebel army is entrenched offers superior natural defenses. They can effectively disrupt our supply lines or melt back into the wilderness, moving with impunity. I propose we dispatch troops to establish a fortified position there, preventing any further rebel factions from claiming the area and establishing themselves as warlords."

"Brother Ye, let us refrain from discussing military affairs during this banquet. Come, allow me to pour you a drink personally." Ma Yao personally left his seat, swaying as he refilled Ye Shikai’s cup. The generals around them were drinking boisterously, celebrating as if it were a major holiday. Only Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian found the atmosphere incongruous. They had merely subdued one rebellious group; numerous other rebel forces remained active throughout East County. The current revelry seemed premature, and it was no wonder the rebels operated so boldly. These officials were clearly incompetent.

"Thank you, Commander." Despite his agitation, Ye Shikai accepted the wine, recognizing it was a victory celebration. He had no desire to dampen the festive spirit. Moreover, Ma Yao was his superior, and openly challenging him was ill-advised. Such defiance would surely lead Ma Yao to perceive him as arrogant due to his recent military successes, potentially resulting in future retaliation. Ye Shikai wished to avoid causing trouble for himself or his men, necessitating his tolerance of this superior officer.

"That’s the spirit! Fight bravely in battle, and rewards will undoubtedly follow." Ma Yao, having indulged in his share of wine, declared as he heartily clapped Ye Shikai on the shoulder.

"Esteemed Generals, General Ye has achieved a significant victory, bringing great honor to the Commander’s Mansion. Let us raise our cups in celebration."

"Haha, congratulations, General Ye!"

"General Ye’s triumph over the rebels signifies boundless future potential."

"My thanks, Generals." Ye Shikai raised his cup, draining it in a single gulp. He then turned to Ma Yao, stating, "Commander, I am not particularly resilient to alcohol and feel unwell. I would like to take my leave."

"Very well, I shall not insist you remain. You must be fatigued from your recent campaign in the mountains. Rest well upon your return, and I shall pay you a personal visit."

"Thank you, Commander," Ye Shikai replied placidly before departing the Commander’s Mansion with Shangguan Jian.

Outside the Commander’s Mansion.

"Old Ye, these generals are simply waiting for their demise. Observe them; are they capable of anything besides eating and drinking? I wager they would crumble immediately if faced with actual combat," Shangguan Jian could not help but grumble.

"What else can we expect? If they possessed any genuine skill, would the rebels have grown so audacious? In any case, we still require the spoils of war. My men have endured harsh conditions and risked their lives; this recompense is rightfully theirs." Ye Shikai flicked his horsewhip, both men eager to leave the county town and return to their camp.

As they passed through the marketplace, many civilians respectfully parted ways upon seeing them. Ye Shikai’s gaze landed on a nearby tea stall, and his attention was immediately captured.

"Shangguan, I've spotted an acquaintance. Take the troops back to camp first; I will follow shortly after concluding this matter." Ye Shikai halted his horse to explain.

"Understood... Very well. Be safe." After Shangguan Jian and the others departed, Ye Shikai dismounted, secured his horse, and proceeded directly toward the tea stall.

"Sir, oh, sir, please come in." Upon spotting Ye Shikai, the shopkeeper eagerly welcomed him, ushering him to a seat beside another man.

"Mr. Xu, it has been some time. I offer my humble greetings." Ye Shikai bowed respectfully, taking a seat opposite Xu Fu, the individual previously encountered by Hua Liandie.

Xu Fu remained clad in his white robes, exuding the aura of an esteemed hermit.

"Ah, Mr. Ye, your arrival is most opportune. The tea is currently at its seasonal peak. Please, partake and sample its quality." Xu Fu gestured with his sleeve, and inexplicably, the empty teacup on the table was instantly filled with fragrant tea.

"Thank you, sir." Ye Shikai lifted the cup, took a delicate sip, and commented, "Indeed, this is excellent tea."

"I understand you achieved victory against the rebels; my congratulations," Xu Fu remarked with a faint smile. "Surely, you haven't sought me out merely for a cup of tea?"

"Master, I have indeed come regarding our previous discussion; you had mentioned the Life Chart last time..."

"Young man, I have already revealed all that I can. I am unable to disclose any further details; please forgive me." Xu Fu interrupted Ye Shikai before he could finish. The immutable nature of heavenly secrets meant he could offer no more, leaving Ye Shikai with a wry smile. Perhaps individuals of such profound cultivation always spoke in such enigmatic ways, leaving others to ponder. He had only come to try his fortune once more.

"Very well, since you are unwilling to elaborate, I shall inquire no further." Ye Shikai nodded, then shifted his tone. "Master, where do your travels lead you next?"

"To be perfectly honest, I have received a command from Emperor Qin Shi Huang himself to journey to Penglai. It will be some time before I return, so I must ask for your care, sir."

"You take care as well, sir."

Witnessing Xu Fu's retreating form stirred a multitude of feelings within Ye Shikai's heart. He was embarking on a quest to Penglai in search of an elixir of immortality for Emperor Qin Shi Huang, which naturally implied that Emperor Qin Shi Huang's remaining days were few. Ye Shikai found himself transposed into this historical period, unable to alter the course of events, acting merely as an observer. Although he now held the title of a general within the Qin Dynasty, one couldn't be sure how long this position would last.

..................

In modern times, at the Tianya Group.

"What do you mean, he's missing?"

"President Su, Miss Ji explicitly instructed me to keep this matter under wraps. Now that you are aware, please, do not mention that I leaked this information." Ailina appeared distressed, having finally confessed under the relentless questioning from both Su Qingyu and An Lan. As the formerly renowned tomboy from Netherworld Palace, Ailina was certainly not intimidated by these two women. However, she recognized the profound significance Ye Shikai held in Su Qingyu's affections. In the face of such a critical disappearance, if they deliberately concealed it from her, Su Qingyu would inevitably discover the truth sooner rather than later.

"Ailina, I do not hold you accountable. However, I need to understand what has transpired. Why did he vanish so suddenly?" Su Qingyu pressed further.

"President Su, do you recall the Holy Mountain?"

"Of course. I have been there before." The mention of this place immediately put Su Qingyu on high alert. She hadn't merely visited; she had narrowly escaped death there...

"The master disappeared at the Holy Mountain, and... there has been no news since."

"What about Chen Yuxin? Why hasn't she issued any statement regarding this? I even saw her at a banquet just two days ago," Su Qingyu stated with noticeable agitation.

"Well... President Su... I truly don't know either."

"No, I must speak with her directly," Su Qingyu declared, preparing to leave. Ailina quickly moved to intercept her, attempting to stop her.