We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 396: We Welcome the Northern Pacification Prince!
Previously on We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?...
Xiao Shi and Xiao Mo departed from the Qin Kingdom's imperial capital, their journey set towards the Northern Frontier.
Xiao Mo remained perplexed about his father's intentions for bringing him to this remote region.
Whenever he inquired, Xiao Shi would invariably reply, "You will understand when we arrive."
Half a month drifted by.
Xiao Mo found himself within the provincial capital of the Northern Frontier, the city of Huang City.
Winter had already taken hold, and thick, goose-feather snow descended from the heavens.
In contrast to the snowy conditions experienced in the Qin Kingdom's imperial capital, the heavy snow of the Northern Frontier felt considerably more austere.
As the adage suggests, disparate environments shape distinct peoples. The common folk of Huang City exuded a boldness and unrestrained spirit that mirrored the ruggedness of the Northern Frontier's winter storms.
The majority of the city's inhabitants were notably tall and possessed robust physiques.
"Young master, won't you join us for some fun?""Esteemed guest, please do come inside."
"Speaking of this Frost Prince Xiao Mo, he is the third son of our prince. Just witness him command his long spear..."
"Sangluo wine, the finest Sangluo wine! Fifteen wen per catty! This wine is absolutely potent!"
The enticements of courtesans calling to potential patrons, the boisterous calls from restaurants and inns, the animated voices of storytellers, and the brash boasts of wine shop proprietors mingled into a lively cacophony.
Despite its ordinary nature, this vibrant blend somehow evoked a more profound sense of the jianghu.
Along both sides of the bustling street, establishments dedicated to wine were the most prevalent.
It was understandable, considering the Northern Frontier's somewhat desolate climate; only potent local spirits could truly suffice. Among these, Sangluo wine stood out as the most renowned.
Furthermore, in Huang City, it was common to see both men and women carrying swords and blades.
Xiao Mo had long heard tales that Huang City had a strong affinity for martial arts and that its people were fond of drinking.
Observing the scene firsthand, he realized the rumors were indeed true.
Within the roadside wine establishments, approximately one-third of the patrons were women, each embodying the dignified bearing of heroic swordswomen.
Among the traditional attire favored by women in the Northern Frontier, there existed a particular style of skirt known as the "Northern Frontier Skirt."
Should this Northern Frontier Skirt be worn in the Qin Kingdom's imperial capital, it would undoubtedly be deemed scandalously immodest; however, within the Northern Frontier, it was considered perfectly acceptable attire.
The Northern Frontier Skirt featured slits along its hem, although the women generally wore undergarments that extended to their upper thighs. This design offered both a form-fitting silhouette and remarkable convenience.
Women of the Northern Frontier typically possessed long legs.
Consequently, with each step a woman took, glimpses of her fair, slender legs beneath the skirt were revealed, creating an exceptionally captivating sight.
Before long, the carriage came to a halt at the entrance of the Northern Pacification Prince's Manor.
Xiao Mo and Xiao Shi alighted from the carriage and proceeded into the grounds of the Northern Pacification Prince's Manor.
The instant he entered, Xiao Mo noticed that the manor's servants and maids were arrayed on either side, their voices rising in unison, "We respectfully welcome the prince."
Upon closer inspection of these attendants, Xiao Mo discerned that they were all cultivators of martial Dao, with some possessing remarkably advanced cultivation levels.
"Mm," Xiao Shi acknowledged with a nod, addressing the assembled staff. "From this day forward, Third Young Master Xiao Mo shall be your new master. His commands are to be considered my own. Do you comprehend?"
"Yes! Your Highness!" After the servants and maids affirmed their understanding, they collectively proclaimed once more, "We respectfully welcome the Young Master!"
"Qiu Wen."
Xiao Shi called out.
"This servant is here."
Moments later, a maid approached them.
This maid was strikingly beautiful. In Xiao Mo's estimation, she was surpassed only by Qin Siyao, and stood on par with the Jin Kingdom's eldest princess, Ji Yue.
Moreover, her figure was extraordinarily voluptuous. Even within the modest confines of her Misty Rain Clear Cascade maid's dress, her ample bosom appeared on the verge of bursting forth.
"Qiu Wen, from this moment on, you are assigned to Third Young Master. Do you understand?" Xiao Shi inquired.
A flicker of surprise registered in the eyes of the maid named Qiu Wen, yet she responded with a nod, "Understood, Your Highness."
Xiao Shi turned back towards Xiao Mo. "Xiao Mo, take your rest at the Northern Pacification Prince's Manor for the coming days. Should you require anything within the manor, simply instruct Qiu Wen. From today, Qiu Wen belongs to you. She remains pure and untainted. You may treat her as you see fit. She possesses knowledge of many matters you do not yet grasp, and she will explain them to you gradually."
"Yes, Father."
Xiao Mo inclined his head, his gaze then settling upon Qiu Wen.
A woman such as she, likely only around fifty years by bone age, had already achieved the Nascent Soul cultivation realm.
Such a capable woman would be highly valued in any kingdom or any sect.
Xiao Mo harbored no doubt that this individual was far more than just a mere servant.
"All right, I still have some matters to attend to, so I cannot accompany you further," Xiao Shi said, patting Xiao Mo on the shoulder. "Once I have made all the necessary preparations, I shall come to fetch you." With those words, Xiao Shi departed the manor without further ado. Soon, the assembled servants and maids dispersed. Qiu Wen approached, a smile gracing her lips. "Master, please follow me." "Thank you, Miss," Xiao Mo replied, following Qiu Wen towards the manor's rear courtyard. The Northern Pacification Prince's Manor in the Northern Frontier shared a similar magnitude and scale to the Xiao Prince's Manor in the Qin Kingdom's imperial capital, though it possessed a more austere character. This manor lacked any ostentatious decorations or rare spiritual flora. If a choice were to be made between the two, Xiao Mo found himself preferring the Northern Pacification Prince's Manor in the Northern Frontier. Qiu Wen, who was leading the way, cast a glance at Xiao Mo. As if sensing his thoughts, she remarked with a smile, "The Northern Pacification Prince's Manor does not house any wives or concubines. Instead, a significant number of Northern Frontier generals reside here. Consequently, many courtyards within the manor belong to these generals. For instance, there is General Fang Weiming's courtyard, General Zhang Kui's courtyard, and General Liu's courtyard. Additionally, the generals you are acquainted with, General Li Jing and General Zhao Guang, also stay here when they visit Huang City." Upon hearing Qiu Wen's statement, Xiao Mo's brow furrowed, and a hint of caution entered his tone. "It appears Miss is quite knowledgeable about me, knowing my close association with General Li and General Zhao." Qiu Wen offered no direct response. Her smile remained, maintaining a neutral distance. She continued, as if speaking to herself, "Beyond the various generals' residences, the Northern Pacification Prince's Manor also accommodates several covert Northern Frontier military organizations. Master, having served in the military for many years and fought on the battlefield extensively, you must surely understand this." Qiu Wen proceeded ahead. Before long, Qiu Wen guided Xiao Mo to a particular courtyard. "Please reside here for the time being, Master. Over the next few days, this servant will bring documents for your review. Should Master have no further requests, I shall take my leave," Qiu Wen said with a smile. "Why do you address me as master?" Xiao Mo inquired. "Because Master is Master." With that, Qiu Wen said no more. She executed a curtsy and departed. The following day. Qiu Wen presented a collection of documents so voluminous they nearly filled half the courtyard. These documents pertained to a variety of Northern Frontier organizations. Included among them was the Crafting Bureau, tasked with the forging of armor and weaponry. Within the Crafting Bureau's records, the names of master blacksmiths and Mohist disciples were meticulously listed. Each master's disposition and each apprentice's potential were clearly documented. The Arsenal's documents provided an error-free accounting of weapon and armor quantities, the classifications and types of magical treasures, and even the talismans and array flags utilized for combat. The Horse Raising Bureau's documentation offered an extremely precise detailing of the ages, numbers, and quality of the Snow-Treading Horses. Even the Northern Frontier's intelligence and assassination division, the Huang Tower, had its operatives' names, likenesses, aliases, cultivation realms, and even their life histories laid bare before Xiao Mo. The true identity of the Huang Tower's tower master was revealed to be Qiu Wen. Qiu Wen's portrait was an exact match to her appearance before Xiao Mo. "Does Master find this servant's portrait appealing?" Even under Xiao Mo's sustained, scrutinizing gaze, Qiu Wen maintained her gentle smile. "The actual person is more beautiful than the portrait," Xiao Mo stated, putting the portrait away. Qiu Wen displayed a slight surprise, followed by a smile. "Thank you for Master's compliment. This servant is most pleased. His Highness the Prince has decreed that Master must commit these Northern Frontier documents to memory within three days. Upon the expiration of this period, this servant shall retrieve them." "I understand," Xiao Mo acknowledged with a nod. "This servant shall not impose further. Should Master require anything, you may summon this servant at any time." Qiu Wen bowed and withdrew once more. As predicted, after three days had elapsed, Qiu Wen returned to the courtyard and collected all the documents. An additional two days passed. On the morning of this day, as Xiao Mo sat in meditation with his eyes closed within the courtyard, a knock sounded upon the courtyard gate. Xiao Mo opened his eyes and moved to open the gate. Xiao Shi stood before him. "Father," Xiao Mo said, offering a respectful bow."Mm." Xiao Shi nodded, confirming, "Everything is nearing completion. Let us depart. You may accompany me now." "Understood." Xiao Mo refrained from inquiring about their destination, trusting that enlightenment would soon follow. The father and son traversed the streets of Huang City, their passage appearing as a leisurely promenade toward the city's outskirts. Yet, the illusion of slow movement was maintained through the utilization of advanced techniques, each stride effortlessly covering a distance of ten zhang. "Have you finished reviewing the documents concerning the Northern Frontier that Qiu Wen delivered?" Xiao Shi inquired of Xiao Mo. "I have completed the review," Xiao Mo affirmed with a nod. "And after your perusal, what are your impressions?" "They certainly surpassed my expectations to a degree." Indeed, the provided documents had gone beyond Xiao Mo's initial estimations. While Xiao Mo was aware of the Northern Frontier's significant autonomy, he had not anticipated the extent of its independence, which effectively mirrored that of a sovereign nation in nearly every capacity. Furthermore, it came as a revelation that the Northern Frontier had been maintaining a constant vigilance against the Qin Kingdom. As an illustration, the Huang Tower meticulously documented the life histories and individual preferences of officials within the Qin Kingdom. It was even disclosed that a substantial one-third of the officials in the Qin Kingdom's court held some form of affiliation with the Northern Frontier. One might reasonably conclude that the Northern Frontier possessed the capability to declare independence at any moment purely by issuing a formal statement. Xiao Shi offered a smile, fully comprehending the implication behind Xiao Mo's phrase, "beyond my expectations." He then elaborated, "Following our ancestor's assistance to the former emperor in conquering this territory, the original plan was for each individual to claim a portion of land and establish their own sovereign states. However, our ancestor declined this proposal. Ultimately, the former emperor took charge of internal governance, while our ancestor primarily focused on territorial expansion. Encompassing your present life, across five generations, we have been instrumental in cultivating the Qin Kingdom to its current stature and vastness." Xiao Shi then directed his gaze toward Xiao Mo, continuing his discourse, "When Qin Shengtian conveyed to you the possibility of assuming his position, he was not being untruthful; his intentions were genuine. Shengtian and I have been acquainted since our youth. He is fully aware that under no circumstances would I ever lead the Northern Frontier toward establishing an independent nation. I, too, recognize that Shengtian's heart remains solely devoted to the Qin Kingdom and the enduring legacy of our ancestors. Therefore, in his estimation, even the prospect of entrusting the Qin Kingdom to my Xiao family would be preferable to witnessing its decline and the annihilation of a thousand-year legacy." "Xiao Mo, despite our limited interactions as father and son, I perceive that you are not driven by a craving for power or status. This characteristic is both advantageous and, in certain contexts, disadvantageous." Xiao Shi articulated his thoughts with profound earnestness. "I remain uncertain about the path you will ultimately choose. However, even if you were to lead the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry into the imperial capital of the Qin Kingdom, this father would not interject with significant objections. Such a decision would solely rest upon your own volition. It is fitting that each successive generation's leader of the Northern Frontier should possess the autonomy to make their own choices." Upon hearing Xiao Shi's pronouncements, Xiao Mo's brow furrowed subtly. At this juncture, Xiao Mo began to grasp with a degree of certainty the underlying reason for his father's decision to bring him to the Northern Frontier. "Xiao Mo, the primary reason I have summoned you back on this occasion is that my remaining time is exceedingly limited." With that statement, Xiao Shi decisively crushed the jade pendant adorning his waist. Instantly, Xiao Mo could perceive the critically diminished vitality emanating from his father. Xiao Shi's life force was so tenuous, it could scarcely be compared to the flickering flame of a candle in a strong wind; it was but a faint ember. Were it not for his tenacious grip on the thread of existence, that minuscule spark might have already been extinguished. "Following the demise of Bai Qi, I led the forces to break through the enemy's encirclement. Had Zhang Kui not shielded me with his own life, I would have perished then and there. However, even in survival, the severity of my injuries was profound. My lifespan is nearing its conclusion. In a final effort, I utilized this Heaven-Continuing Jade to sustain my dwindling life force and attend to these concluding matters. Now, the efficacy of this Heaven-Continuing Jade is almost entirely depleted. Fortunately, through my hurried endeavors, the timing has proven to be most opportune." As Xiao Shi concluded his explanation, he gestured with his hand, instantly transporting Xiao Mo to Snow Flower Pass, located a hundred li beyond Huang City. Father and son ascended the ramparts of Snow Flower Pass. Xiao Mo surveyed the scene below. A formidable assembly, comprising four hundred thousand elite Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry and one million two hundred thousand Northern Frontier infantry, was meticulously arrayed across the open expanse. At the forefront of this military formation stood the esteemed generals of the Northern Frontier. "Is the entire army assembled?" Xiao Shi advanced and posed the question to the assembled troops."Reporting to the Northern Pacification Prince!" Fang Weiming bellowed from below the wall, stepping forward. "The Northern Frontier boasts a total of fifty-seven generals, four hundred thousand two hundred and twenty-one Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry, and one million two hundred and five thousand Northern Frontier infantry! All are accounted for!"
"Excellent," Xiao Shi nodded, turning to smile at Xiao Mo. "Why are you lingering? Come closer."
Xiao Mo approached and stood by Xiao Shi's side.
"Effective immediately, Xiao Mo, you shall assume the title of Northern Pacification Prince and become the commander of the Northern Frontier. I am entrusting these lands – three provinces, eighty million citizens, and one million six hundred thousand soldiers – entirely into your care!"
Xiao Shi met Xiao Mo's gaze directly, his tone grave. "Xiao Mo, do you pledge upon your Dao heart that from this day forth, you will regard the people of the Northern Frontier as your own children, dedicate your life to never failing them, and protect this land with all your might?"
Xiao Mo offered a deep bow, his voice resonating across the assembled army, "Xiao Mo is willing!"
"Good!"
Xiao Shi nodded once more, turning his attention back to the vast military formation.
"Northern Frontier Army, don your masks!"
At Xiao Shi's command, the one million six hundred thousand Northern Frontier troops produced a synchronized, steely clang of armor.
They retrieved Asura masks, covering their faces.
An immense solemnity descended upon the entire army as they gazed upwards towards the city wall.
Xiao Shi placed a hand on Xiao Mo's shoulder. "Once, at Yanmen Pass, you led the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry, adorned in Asura masks, to annihilate the enemy, earning renown across the land. Today, four hundred thousand Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry and one million two hundred thousand Northern Frontier infantry, all bearing the Asura masks, march to war under your command!"
With that, Xiao Shi raised his voice to the assembled legions, "Hail the Northern Pacification Prince!"
"Hail the Northern Pacification Prince!"
"Hail the Northern Pacification Prince!"
"Hail the Northern Pacification Prince!"
The unified roars of the one million six hundred thousand Northern Frontier troops soared towards the heavens, piercing the firmament and echoing for a thousand li.
Amidst the thunderous acclamations, Xiao Shi's gaze drifted into the distance, his hand resting gently on the parapet. A serene smile graced his lips as his eyes slowly closed.
"Northern Pacification Prince, I entrust the Northern Frontier to your charge."
A gentle breeze swept across the city wall. The flickering flame of this old general's life finally extinguished, yet his form remained, a steadfast statue atop the wall, forever a guardian of the Northern Frontier.
Xiao Mo took a step back, adjusted his attire, and bowed deeply once more.
The army's fervent shouts ceased. In unison, as if a single entity, they cupped their fists and bowed profoundly.
"We respectfully bid farewell to the Northern Pacification Prince!"