As a lord, I was forced to farm

Thick, dark clouds piled up impenetrably, and the sky looked like a huge, lead-gray curtain, pressing down low and making it hard to breathe.

After welcoming Wei Fengsheng, Jiang Ran immediately sent people to keep an eye on the movements in the three major provincial capitals.

Perhaps because Dasu was just a small prefecture-level territory, the three major provincial capitals didn't even bother to cover it up, and the military made a big fuss about it.

Especially the capital of Da Ce province, this territory is very close to the present-day Da Su, located in the northwest of Yun Xiang Mountain.

An army of 200,000 is poised to move.

Meanwhile, in the south and southwest, the two provincial capitals of Dazang and Dayan will also send hundreds of thousands of troops northward to directly attack Dasu.

Many other forces, such as numerous sects and academies, were aware of the news that the three major provincial capitals might send troops to attack Dasu.

"I told you so. Dasu is just a new county, yet it has caused such a commotion that even the three major provincial capitals can't stand it anymore."

"It has only been three years since it was established as a prefecture, and Tianchen and Chaolian have already made their move. How can other territories not be wary of such a belligerent territory?"

However, some people refuted Da Su's belligerent remarks and instead spoke well of him, saying, "Who doesn't know that it was because Chao Lian spread the plague to Mao City, and Tian Chen abandoned the tens of thousands of people in Mao City? Da Su, that Prince, only took action for the sake of the lives of those tens of thousands of humans!"

"I think I've heard that the reason these three provincial capitals attacked Dasu is because they seized an important secret realm!"

"How could a county-level territory manage to seize a secret realm from the encirclement of three provincial capitals?"

"If that's really the case, then the actions of these three provincial capitals against Da Su are truly unjust. The secret realm is ownerless; whoever seizes it should own it. But the secret realm has already recognized a master, yet they've launched a war against Da Su. Isn't this bullying and aggression?"

"Hehe, it's really naive to have such a statement. This world is one where the strong survive. The Clouds Grief Land hasn't produced a single territory at the Capital level in all these years. Don't you know why?"

Everyone was silent.

They understood perfectly well that the three provincial capitals of Cloudfall Land did not want a fourth provincial territory to threaten their position.

Therefore, once any power in a capital-level territory emerges, it is suppressed with swift and decisive action.

Including Tianchen and Chaolian from before.

They have all been suppressed several times.

Therefore, the population, demons, and land area have been fluctuating within a limited range!
……

Inside the main camp, a heavy atmosphere prevailed. Generals from various departments gathered and held countless emergency meetings.

At this critical moment, Qi Yu suddenly arrived at Da Su with his men.

Jiang Ran was slightly taken aback when she heard her subordinate's report. But when she looked into those deep, cold eyes, she couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing here at this time, as the Palace Master of Mingxiao Academy?"

Qi Yu frowned, a hint of worry in his eyes. "The three major provincial capitals have sent a million troops to attack Dasu. I want to come and help you."

Jiang Ran was not happy about this. Instead, she scolded him, "Mingxiao Academy is not allowed to participate in the struggle between territories. If you come to help me, you will be violating the rules of Mingxiao City. In that case, will you be able to hold the position of Palace Master?"

"If I can't do as I please, it means I'm not strong enough," Qi Yu said. "The Palace Master of the Cultivation Academy may not be allowed to have personal feelings, but Qi Yu can."

“That position is not necessary for me. Many people can sit in the position of the academy master, but for me, there is only one woman named Jiang Ran.”

Qi Yu's voice was deep as he gently took her hand. "This time, the three major provincial capitals are determined to annihilate Da Su. Each has sent a Transcendent Realm expert: Xiong Baisong of Da Ce, Wu Han of Da Zang, and Yan Lian of Da Yan... along with hundreds of thousands of troops behind them..."

"I'm scared." Qi Yu placed Jiang Ran's hand on his chest.

What are they afraid of? They're afraid Jiang Ran will get hurt in this battle, afraid she... will die.

The sound of her heart, muffled and heavy, traveled clearly to Jiang Ran's palm through the stickiness and obstruction of her flesh and blood.

After hearing Qi Yu's words, Jiang Ran's expression softened.

After a long pause, she finally spoke, "Actually, this matter might not be as dangerous for Da Su as you think." "How many people know you've come to Da Su?"

"Only the Qi family knows for now."

"Okay, then you should go back quickly. If I really have to resort to other means, I will ask you for help."

Qi Yu frowned, his eyes darkening slightly.

But seeing Jiang Ran's determined gaze, he finally gave in.

However, he left behind some things: five or six Saint-level life-saving magic treasures and Saint-level life-saving pills.

“Wu Xian said he misses you a lot, let him stay and keep you company.”

In fact, Jiang Ran understood that Wu Xian truly missed her, but Qi Yu kept Wu Xian by her side at this time because he wanted Wu Xian to help her.

As soon as Qi Yu finished speaking, a little boy with black hair suddenly appeared out of nowhere, jumped high into the air, and pounced on Jiang Ran, "Meow~ Mommy, I missed you so much~"

Mother, Mother?
Jiang Ran picked up the overly friendly little boy with one hand.

The little boy was probably only seven or eight years old. He was exquisitely beautiful, with black hair and golden beast eyes. There was a pale gold sundial array on his forehead, which made him look very sacred.

Jiang Ran quickly recognized that this was "Wu Xian" in human form.

Wu Xian tilted its head, looking just like an adorable little kitten: Meow?

She gave Qi Yu a strange look. "What did you teach him? Why does he call me mother?"

Qi Yu's ears turned slightly red as he denied it, saying, "I didn't teach him that way."

"What did he call you?"

Qi Yu hesitated.

Wu Xian, however, spoke frankly and clearly, "Father!"

The sound echoed in the empty room.

Jiang Ran: ...

Qi Yu: ...

“I’ve corrected him many times,” Qi Yu said with a headache. “But maybe it was because we were the first people it saw when it hatched, so it has always regarded us as its parents.”

Seeing that the usually calm Qi Yu rarely showed a helpless expression, Jiang Ran found it strange. With the idea of ​​teasing him, she gently approached his ear and said in a slightly breathy voice, "Actually, Wu Xian is not wrong in one way."

Qi Yu looked puzzled.

"We're a couple."

The man's ears turned bright red instantly.

Few people know of Wu Xian's existence, so it's highly unlikely that the fact that Qi Yu, as the master of the academy, is helping a territory will be exposed.

So Jiang Ran accepted Wu Xian's offer to stay by her side and help her.

"With Wu Xian and so many life-saving treasures, you don't have to worry anymore, right?" Jiang Ran gently hugged him. "Don't worry about me. You should go back as soon as possible and don't say you won't be the Palace Master of Mingxiao Xiuyuan anymore."

Jiang Ran said solemnly, "You must not only continue to be the Palace Master, but also climb step by step to the position of Sect Leader of Mingxiao."

Qi Yu looked intently at Jiang Ran, and after a long while, slowly nodded. (End of Chapter)