Madam, please listen to my explanation.

Chapter 147 Safe Here
Yuzhou, deep in the Canglu Mountains.

Yun Ci was clad in full armor, armed to the teeth, with only his bright, lively eyes visible, amidst an endless sea of ​​fire.

If a supreme ruler were here, he would notice that, apart from the color and the helmet and mask that covered his full head of black hair and added two ferocious fangs,
The style and texture of the entire suit of armor were exactly the same as the one he wore when he charged into battle outside Qu County.

'eighty meters'

Although it's impossible to distinguish between day and night here, a conservative estimate suggests that more than a month has already passed.
They had only walked eighty meters; according to their adoptive father, the center of the fire, where the temperature was highest, was still more than two hundred meters away.

She suddenly opened her eyes, and behind her, three pale purple flames burst forth.

"The sword furnace truly has its unique features. In such a short time, not only has the physical body already reached the limit of the sixth rank, but even the sea of ​​consciousness has condensed extraordinary phenomena."
But it's still a long way off!

The way out was much easier than the way in. Yun Ci tapped his foot, and in a few breaths, he had retreated to outside the range of the sea of ​​fire.

The crimson color on the armor gradually faded, turning into an ink-black color.

The sea of ​​fire was right in front of him, within reach. Yun Ci touched his face with one hand and took off his mask.

laugh--

The array inside the armor was missing a piece, and it no longer formed a tight protective shield.

Yun Ci's slightly upturned eyelashes immediately crackled.

The flames spewing out in front of you, even from several meters away, seemed to be melting your pupils.

"Phew, thankfully, my skin wasn't burned. I can give it a try."

After a series of clanging sounds, all the armor fell to the ground.

A look of pain flashed across Yun Ci's face for a moment, but without the slightest hesitation, she walked deeper into the area.

"Godfather, I'm sorry."

laugh.
Her bare feet sank into the red-hot stones.

Her delicate brows furrowed instantly, and the next moment, a strange phenomenon reappeared behind her, with pale purple flames enveloping her entirely.

Of the three eerie flames, two were far more vibrant in color than the other.

She knew that once the third flower solidified, her strength would experience another qualitative leap.

Although the period of seclusion was painful, there was nothing else to do besides enduring physical torment.
So much so that she could only pass the days by daydreaming.
"I don't know if it's just my imagination, but before coming in, after observing the secrets in my godfather's library, I always felt that although the young master seemed to be having a smooth life, he was clearly in great danger without even realizing it."

Talking to myself is a habit I've developed over the past month of repeatedly tempering my body in the sea of ​​fire.

Otherwise, she feared she might get lost in the suffocating flames at any moment.

Thirty meters.
The temperature around her body rose higher and higher, so much so that her body, which had already been tempered and had just recovered, was once again scalded with large blisters.

"I can't waste any more time. I must find a way to get him out of here as soon as possible."

Forty meters.
"Here, it doesn't feel so hot anymore. Not only has my physical body become stronger, but even the true energy in my dantian seems to be undergoing some kind of fundamental transformation."

Above their heads, the third purple flame, as if filled with paint, finally solidified and became active.

With a crisp 'crack' from within Yun Ci's body, another tiny spark burst forth beside the three purple flames.

Sixty meters.
Yun Ci's body surface was already charred black.

Having had similar experiences before, she knew that as long as she could get through it, once the charred layer peeled off, her body would undergo another transformation!

In just a short while, she had already surpassed the results of a month of arduous training.

"As expected. Having suffered himself, the godfather thought of letting Ci'er enjoy the cool shade."
But... that's still too conservative! They shouldn't have worn armor in the first place!

The physical pain had completely numbed her, so much so that she didn't even realize how hoarse and unpleasant her voice was.

With each breath, a large amount of deadly, scorching heat rushes into the body through the mouth and nose.

The damage it causes is even more severe than what is done to the skin!
She gritted her teeth and took another step forward.

Suddenly, the sea of ​​fire in front of them surged violently, the chaotic heat currents seeming to push this uninvited guest out of the fire.

At the same time, a strong feeling of dizziness struck.

Yun Ci's expression immediately changed.

Oops
The tribulation of inner demons seems to be approaching!
The door of the sword furnace, forged from fine gold, suddenly swung open.

Wu Jiuchi, who was in seclusion, transformed into a streak of sword light and arrived in an instant!

The sword light swept up pieces of armor from the ground and rushed towards the sea of ​​fire.

"Ci'er!"

Just as it broke through the edge of the sea of ​​fire, the sword light was stopped by the turbulent airflow ahead!
Wu Jiuchi's expression changed drastically in shock.

Having mastered this fire for over a hundred years, I have never encountered such a situation!
The next moment, a beam of crimson-gold light shot into the sky in front of them!

"Ci'er! What...what have you done?"
"You idiot! You're so stupid!"

The scalding heat made it almost impossible for the old man to open his eyes.

There was no sign of that familiar figure ahead.

Only on the ground was a bright red bloody footprint.
-
"One hundred and eighty-seven poor people froze to death, tens of thousands contracted colds, and pieces of a great demon's corpse fell from the sky, destroying two hundred and sixteen houses."
At the cost of one of its snake heads, Orochi corrupted more than 10,000 people, and 1,700 soldiers died in battle in Nanliang and Youzhou.

"Your Majesty, the above is a complete account of the casualties and losses in this rebellion in Youzhou. It must be said that the chaos lasted for almost a month, and more than 400,000 people in the two regions were affected. Such losses are already fortunate. If it weren't for the Sword Immortal, the Southern Territory would probably be a dead zone by now."

Yanjing, the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The Minister of Revenue finished his report with a somber face and a worried expression.

"Issue the order: every prefecture near Youzhou shall collect twenty registered physicians and clean-cut civilians to go to the two places to treat colds and repair houses."

By the way, everyone who goes there, regardless of whether they have medical skills, will be rewarded. I will personally allocate a sum of money.
To prevent anyone from holding a position without merit, the Blood-Clad Guards and the Mirror Bureau will each dispatch one hundred men to conduct surveillance. Anyone found to be a fraud will be executed immediately.

Zhao Ruoxi gave the order without expression.

I am no longer a novice who has just ascended the throne. Now, I can handle most things on my own without needing the Grand Secretary's secret guidance after court.

"His Majesty."

Upon hearing the rest, the Minister of Revenue immediately looked troubled.

It is good that Your Majesty is concerned about the disaster victims, and it is only natural to send people to provide relief. However, it is inappropriate to also bestow rewards upon them.
"Forgive my bluntness, but since Your Majesty ordered the large-scale conscription and horse breeding across the land, a vast amount of gold and silver has been used for expenses such as provisions, armor, and weapons. Even though Your Majesty sets an example, and many officials in the capital have followed suit by reducing their household expenditures, the national treasury is now empty. It would be better to postpone the matter of bestowing rewards."

"Oh?" Zhao Ruoxi raised an eyebrow.

You don't know the cost of firewood and rice until you're in charge of the household. Only after taking this position did she realize that the battle was not so easy to fight.

However, right now, someone has come to his rescue in his immediate predicament.

Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly turned her head to look at the slightly immature little figure next to Xu Xinnian.

"Xuan'er, what do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Prince Ning's heir, Zhao Chengxuan, remained calm. After a moment's thought, he stepped forward and said neither humbly nor arrogantly:
"Your Majesty, I believe that Your Majesty is kind-hearted and concerned about the country and its people, which is a blessing for the Great Yan and its people!"
Whether or not there are rewards, the number of people willing to go to Youzhou and Nanliang to help with post-disaster reconstruction will vary drastically.

However, Minister Ding's statement that the national treasury was empty and that the distribution of rewards should be postponed was also a valid point.

"In your opinion, what decision should be made?"

Zhao Ruoxi was getting a little impatient.

Just answer whatever you're asked. Stop being so long-winded and annoying!
Zhao Chengxuan truly deserves to be recognized as the most outstanding junior among the Zhao clan. Although he has rarely spoken for some time, he has already gained a general understanding of his elder sister's thoughts.

He knew perfectly well that at this moment, the optimal solution was not important; what mattered was speaking to His Majesty's heart.
"Your Majesty, I believe that the 'dowry' sent by the Zhou Kingdom can solve our immediate problem!"

Zhao Ruoxi's lips curled up slightly.

"But that dowry was a promise I made to the Zhou Kingdom to grant us a marriage. Now that Mr. Xu has disappeared and has not yet fulfilled his promise to the Zhou Kingdom, how can it be misappropriated?"

To be honest, my younger brother is quite sensible.

"No!"

Zhao Chengxuan shook his head and said, "Currently, there are still two Zhou spies imprisoned in the Mingjing Division's prison. The two have been lurking in our Great Yan for many years, committing all kinds of evil deeds, and even once participated in the Ning traitor's rebellion. Envoy Han Liang personally signed and admitted to this matter. The Great Zhou still needs to give us an explanation."

In my opinion, it is not appropriate to grant the marriage before the Zhou state formally resolves this matter.

As for the dowry, since it has already arrived in Yanjing, it should be kept under the care of the Ministry of Revenue.

Upon hearing this, most people in the hall gasped in shock.

Looking up, His Majesty's smile was undisguised.

All the civil and military officials looked at this young prince with new respect, even though he held no official position, and came to listen to his lectures every day.

Wonderful.

It's just that I'm looking after it for you; it's not like I'm not going to return it.

Your Zhou Kingdom sent people to cause trouble in my Yanjing, so you have to pay a price!

Whether the Yan Emperor will be satisfied, and how long he will be allowed to keep watch over the place, are all matters for later discussion.

Zhao Chengxuan naturally saw the smile on his elder sister's face, and he bowed and said:
"I am still young, so please forgive me if I say anything wrong, Your Majesty and all the officials."

"I think Xuan'er's words make a lot of sense. What do you all think?"

"My lord, second the motion!"

"Report——!"

Suddenly, a member of the Imperial Guard came running from outside the palace.

"The items that Mr. Xu dispatched from Hidden Sword Manor, urgently transported from Youzhou, have arrived outside the palace!"

Zhao Ruoxi immediately stood up and said, "That's all for today's court assembly."
-
"It's so hot. I suddenly miss the days when my brother-in-law used to make artificial snow."

After resting for a day in Youzhou City and gathering intelligence, Xu Jinhuan embarked on his journey south once again.

Southern Xinjiang, a dense forest surrounded by the Ten Thousand Mountains, stretches for thousands of miles horizontally.

In order to get to the 'keyhole' location that Xiaoqing mentioned as quickly as possible, Xu Jinhuan chose to sneak in from the outside, finding the closest spot to the location.

It's all that old bastard Zhou Jin's fault!
No wonder.
No wonder the fat cat had been looking at him with such a lecherous gaze the whole way.

Furthermore, despite being of sound mind and able to speak human language, she never told herself the truth.

Needless to say, it must have been that Zhou guy who used his own life as leverage to force the other party to go to the southern border no matter what!
Regardless of whether Zhuang Yuning was ruthless at times, she never harmed herself.

Previously in Kyoto, she even risked her life to break into the Qiyun Altar dungeon to rescue him. Now that she has been tricked by Zhou Jin, how can he sit idly by?

Zhou Jin, oh Zhou Jin.
Looking back now, those few words of advice were probably just meant to be used against me someday.

When we get back, we'll definitely find that old bastard and demand an explanation!
As I pondered, the road ahead became increasingly bumpy and uneven.

In particular, a thin, yellowish-green miasma gradually began to spread in the air.

It had a fishy, ​​pungent odor.

Xu Jinhuan stopped and watched.

Further on, we entered an area thick with miasma, where even sunlight could not easily penetrate.

That means we've reached the territory of southern Xinjiang.

"Xiao Qing, what's the situation ahead? Can your divine sense probe into the area?"

"Hmm, just a little bit. Ten miles east, there's a swamp. The fewest signs of human activity there are; it's the safest place to sneak in!"

'good! ’

With Xiaoqing, whose divine sense far surpasses that of an ordinary sixth-grade 'radar,' this journey should be much safer.

As she analyzed, since it was a swamp, there would naturally be no tribe living there.

Moreover, such a vast territory, even if it is inhabited by hundreds or thousands of tribes, and is said to contain hundreds of thousands of abandoned people.

Ultimately, the area is sparsely populated, making it impossible to build a tight defensive line on the perimeter.

As I pondered, the miasma in front of me had thickened to the point of resembling a wall.

This wall is the best line of defense for the southern border against these 'people from the Central Plains'.

Xu Jinhuan had never directly encountered the poisonous barrier of the Southern Frontier. This barrier, which could make generations turn pale at the mere mention of it and ultimately forced people to sacrifice themselves to demons in order to survive, was definitely not something to be trifled with.

He took a deep breath, held it, and stepped into the thick, yellowish-green poisonous barrier.

pat.

A wet, sticky sensation came from the soles of my feet, but suddenly the view opened up before me.

After crossing that thick barrier of poison, although the surroundings were still filled with deadly toxic gas, at least a faint ray of sunlight could penetrate in, and visibility was not obstructed.

As far as the eye can see, there are towering, enormous trees and all sorts of strange and wonderful birds perched on the branches.

"Phew, as expected, no one criticized me for being so cautious."

Thinking about it carefully, it makes sense. Going into such a large jungle all by himself is like a drop of water flowing into the ocean; he has no chance of making any waves.

Just as they relaxed their guard, a series of strangely shaped birds suddenly took to the air!
"Gaga gaga gaga—"

"Hurrah~ Hurrah~ Hurrah—"

"Giggle giggle giggle—"

Strange cries echoed from all directions.

Xu Jinhuan felt a sense of foreboding.

At the same time, mounds of earth rose from the ground beneath their feet, moving rapidly into the distance.

'Xiaoqing, you see things from afar, answer me, what's going on?!'

'Yes, I meant it, right?'

Whoosh!Whoosh!Whoosh!
Several figures suddenly flashed in front of them, and at the same time, the sound of crossbows being nocked and drawn could be heard incessantly from the dense forest in front of them.

"You, a man from the Central Plains, what are you doing trespassing on our sacred land?!"

Xu Jinhuan: “???”

What happened to the promise of a sparsely populated and safe area?

Where did these dozens of guys in grass skirts and covered in tattoos suddenly come from?!

(End of this chapter)