I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 179 The Remains of Loyal Warriors
The voices on Qingping gradually dispersed, the wind blew from the lake, and the moonlight was cold and white.

The shadows of the trees stretched long on the stone steps, and the sound of water echoed in circles from afar, as if someone were gently patting the stone bank through the night.

Su Ning remained standing at the end of the steps, dressed in white.

Seeing that Su Ning showed no intention of leaving, Xue Xiang was happy to stay with him, after all, he was a big shot from abroad.

Make good friends with them; they might come in handy in the future.

He walked alongside Su Ning, slowly descending the stone steps.

A faint light shone beneath my feet, as thin as frost.

Su Ning suddenly said, "Brother Xu, why did you not only let those prostitutes go but also give them a reward? Is it just because they are from the lower class and have a weak appearance? Don't forget, they all came to identify you."

Xue Xiang knew that this question was about values.

When it comes to making friends, if values ​​are not aligned, it's indeed difficult to maintain a long-term relationship.

He composed himself and said, "If a person uses a knife to commit violence, it is the person's fault, not the knife's fault. I don't need to get angry with the knife."

Su Ning glanced at him and laughed, "Brother Xu is clearly using sophistry. If these prostitutes are knives..."

Pan Suo, Yue Bai, Chen Jingting, and their ilk were clearly just daggers, not the masterminds.

Brother Xu, however, used lethal force. Compared to those prostitutes, weren't they utterly wronged?

Xue Xiang shook his head, "Those three are not knives, but 'accomplices' who act as accomplices to evil."

The 'Chang' not only harms people, but also seeks blood and food for tigers. When tigers eat their flesh, the Chang devours their souls.

It cannot be generalized.

Even if I were to take revenge on those courtesans, who are now nothing but dust and ashes, I would not feel any pleasure whatsoever.

Moreover, women are made of water, while men are made of mud.

These women have fallen into prostitution; all men in the world are guilty. If I spare them, I will also forgive my own sins.

Su Ning was stunned for a moment, staring blankly at Xue Xiang, a ripple flashing in her cold eyes. "I didn't expect Fellow Daoist Xu to be such a sentimental person. My apologies."

Xue Xiang waved his hand, "It was just what I felt in my heart."

He's not a man of strong character at all; he's just someone who habitually paves the way for currying favor with powerful figures.

Although Su Ning appeared to be male based on her physique and Adam's apple, Xue Xiang immediately recognized that she must have used a secret method to disguise herself as a man.

There was no way around it; he had seen far too many naked women in his past life, and his understanding of women's skeletons and hand shapes far surpassed that of ordinary people.

It was determined that Su Ning was a woman.

The Great Zhou Dynasty was a country where imperial power was paramount.

In addition, there was Suning's unique position within the delegation.

Furthermore, Su Ning dared to promise him entry into the Imperial Academy of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Based on all of the above, he could easily deduce that Su Ning must be of noble lineage from the Great Zhou, and that the royal surname of the Great Zhou was Ning. Who knew that Su Ning's real name was not Ning Su?

The Great Zhou Dynasty, which valued imperial power, inevitably imprisoned women.

Xue Xiang used Jia Baoyu's absurd and nonsensical argument, and even if he couldn't buy Suning's goods, he certainly wouldn't offend them.

Now, judging from Suning's reaction, Xue Xiang feels that he made the right move.

Sure enough, his conversation with Su Ning then became much broader.

From discussing the customs and products of the Great Xia Kingdom to historical texts, Xue Xiang, having consciously chosen Suning, naturally displayed all his skills.

To paraphrase what Mengde once jokingly said about him, if Xue Xiangzhen were to lower himself to flatter someone, no one could get a word in edgewise.

Su Ning, a jade-like woman with an icy demeanor, actually smiled several times during her conversation with Xue Xiang.

Only when the water clock struck midnight did the two bow to each other in farewell.

Night had fallen, but Yin Tianci's courtyard remained noisy.

The stone table was littered with cups and plates, the aroma of wine mingling with the smell of roasted meat, and the two old locust trees in the courtyard rustled in the wind.

The flickering lights illuminated excited faces.

Seven or eight officials who came to the academy for further study sat or half-reclined, exchanging toasts.

Someone slammed their fist on the table and said, "There are so many tasks to do. If we want to earn credits, we should choose those that are both safe and rewarding. Why don't we combine them into one task?"

"Exactly."

Another person chimed in, "Going it alone, it would probably take three years to even reach the monument. But if we can team up, it'll be a different story. Sharing credits equally is always better than trying to catch up in vain."

Everyone chimed in, and the atmosphere gradually heated up.

Although the sounds were chaotic, they always lingered around Yin Tianci.

He remained unhurried, stroking his wine glass, occasionally interjecting with a remark that elicited nods of agreement from everyone, making him the undisputed leader of the group.

Just then, the courtyard gate creaked open.

Everyone turned their heads and saw a middle-aged man enter with his hands behind his back. He was tall and strong, with a sharp face and eyes like knives. He walked to the front of the table without saying a word, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Upon seeing him, Yin Tianci stood up abruptly, his expression showing surprise and respect: "Everyone, this is my elder, Mr. Jian Yong, known in the martial arts world as the Iron Hand Judge."

He oversaw many external affairs of the Tongjiang School.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone hurriedly stood up and bowed.

Someone muttered under their breath, "It's the Iron-Handed Judge..." Their eyes were filled with awe.

Jian Yong nodded to each person, returned the greeting, and then scanned the entire room with a cold and sharp gaze that carried a subtle but palpable sense of authority.

Then, he turned to Yin Tianci: "Come with me."

Yin Tianci's heart skipped a beat. He quickly put on a smile and followed Jian Yong to the backyard, where they sat down in the pavilion.

Jian Yong said in a deep voice, "Canglan Academy has already notified your father."

Yin Tianci was stunned: "What notification?"

He assigned the task and then left it to others, and so far he hasn't received any news of bad luck for Chen Jingting, Pan Suo, and Yue Bai.

Jian Yong said coldly, "You instructed Pan Suo and Yue Bai to frame Xu Yi, and now the truth has been found out."

If it weren't for saving face for your father, they would have expelled you from school on the spot.

Fortunately, your father's influence still held sway, helping you suppress the matter, but at a huge cost.

Your father sent me here overnight to ask you in person what exactly happened.

Yin Tianci's face turned pale and then flushed. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, and said in a low voice, "I pursued Song Tingfang on my father's orders."

Now that someone has interfered and is taking advantage of me, how can I sit idly by?
I just didn't expect this guy surnamed Xu to be so powerful, beyond my expectations.

The moonlight fell on his face, making the light and shadow in his eyes flicker, clearly showing his extreme anger.

Jian Yong narrowed his eyes: "Do you really know who you're dealing with?"

Yin Tianci suddenly looked up. "Originally, I was just wondering why Tingfang called him her junior apprentice?"

Now it seems he has connections at Canglan Academy. Just who is this Xu Yi?

Jian Yong stared at him and slowly uttered a few words: "Yunmeng Xue Xiang".

Yin Tianci froze, as if he had been punched in the chest, his breathing becoming erratic. His lips trembled, but he couldn't utter a word for a long time.

Seeing this, Jian Yong said coldly, "You've heard of him too, haven't you?"

Yin Tianci's throat tightened, and he swallowed hard: "I've heard it more than once... I'm tired of hearing about it these days."

This person is quite an anomaly; he's also joined the Tongjiang School?

Jian Yong nodded, "He was recommended by Xie Haiya, and Mr. Kan Jiang values ​​him highly."

After he topped the county examination, more and more people in the academic community were optimistic about him.

However, the incident he caused in Canaan County cost him points.

After all, some members of the school of thought also come from prominent families.

Even so, such a person cannot be defeated by such underhanded methods.

Yin Tianci said in a muffled voice, "I underestimated him."

Is this something to be taken lightly?

Jian Yong said sternly, "You're brainless. Even if you're going to try to scheme against someone, how can you not do your homework? How can you not make thorough preparations?"

Shouldn't we prepare for their counterattack?

What have you learned all these years besides throwing tantrums like a spoiled brat?

Jian Yong reprimanded him sternly.

Yin Tianci's father, Yin Zhuangchou, was the Grand Elder of the Tongjiang School, holding a high position and great power. Jian Yong was promoted by Yin Zhuangchou and was very loyal to him, so he naturally valued Yin Tianci highly as well.

He didn't resent Yin Tianci for offending Xue Xiang; what angered him was Yin Tianci's lack of common sense.

"Please teach me, Uncle."

Yin Tianci knelt down on the ground.

Jian Yong helped him up. "Since we've already revealed our hand and offended people, there's no point in trying to make amends. Let's just go all the way."

Xue Xiang was a restless person; he certainly didn't come to Canglan Academy to cultivate his character.

His goal is undoubtedly to contemplate the Literary Stele.

Yin Tianci raised an eyebrow and said, "He's only starting to try now, how can he possibly catch up!"

Jian Yong snorted, "This man has accomplished so many astonishing things along the way. You might think it's impossible, but in his eyes, it might just be commonplace."

It's not that I'm trying to boost his morale or demoralize you.

There are rumors that someone has assessed Xue Xiang's combat strength and concluded that he is at least at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

Such a person must possess incredibly high aspirations.

Yin Tianci frowned. "What should we do in your opinion, Uncle?"

Jian Yong scoffed, "Adding fuel to the fire is no substitute for removing the fuel from under the cauldron..."

He whispered something to Yin Tianci, and the smile on his face grew wider and wider.

…………

As the morning light pierced through the high walls, the clanging of bowls and chopsticks echoed from Wei Fan's residence.

An old osmanthus tree in the courtyard is in full bloom, its fragrance spreading with the wind, making the hot porridge and side dishes on the table seem even more elegant.

Wei Fan sat upright on the veranda, holding a piece of dried tofu in his hand, slowly dipping it in soy sauce.

Although his temples were white, his eyes were exceptionally clear. Servants at the table kept adding porridge and changing dishes, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

The door creaked open, and Xue Xiang, dressed in a green robe, entered carrying two baskets of pastries, yawning with slightly reddened eyes.

He smiled broadly: "Teacher, why did you call your students over so early? Are you perhaps already picking out tasks for me?"

"Great kindness needs no words of thanks."

As he spoke, he placed the snacks on the table.

"No thanks, just a few packets of cheap pastries to get by. You keep bringing this stuff every time. Is the pastry seller your relative?"

Wei Fan joked.

Xue Xiang scratched his head and said, "A gentleman understands righteousness, and I just don't want to tarnish our master-disciple relationship."

If you think the gift is too light, you can have this.

As he spoke, he brought out the wishing cake.

Wei Fan jumped up and down, waving his chopsticks repeatedly, shouting, "Take it away, take it away..."

It was as if their innocence was about to be tarnished.

Xue Xiang accepted the wishing cakes this time and glanced at the steaming buns, white porridge, and pickled vegetables on the table.

Have you eaten?

Wei Fan asked.

"Nope."

"What are you waiting for."

Before Wei Fan could even ask, the steward served bowls and chopsticks.

After Xue Xiang finished serving the rice porridge, he picked up a steamed bun and was about to put it in his mouth when he suddenly saw Wei Fan put down his bowl and chopsticks. "Teacher, you're eating too. What's going on? Are there not enough buns? Hurry up and steam some more."

Wei Fan sighed, "You eat first."

"With you sighing so much, how can I possibly eat?"

As he spoke, Xue Xiang took a bite of the steamed bun, which was filled with pork and scallions and smelled delicious.

Wei Fan snorted, "You're kidding me. Hurry up and eat, or you won't be able to eat after I finish talking."

Xue Xiang was startled and put down his chopsticks. "Don't scare me, I'm easily frightened."

As he spoke, he swallowed the bun in a few bites.

Wei Fan sighed and said, "There are no more purple-level missions."

Xue Xiang thought he hadn't heard clearly, and stood there stunned for a long time before finally opening his mouth: "Teacher, could you say it again?"

Wei Fan looked up at him, a hint of helplessness in his voice, "The purple-level missions were all taken overnight."

Xue Xiang nearly choked on his own saliva, his eyes wide open: "They caught them all? How is that possible? Who would be crazy enough to steal such a difficult task?"

Wei Fan shook his head: "I don't know the reason either. I sent someone to collect any unaccepted purple-level missions, but the person reported back that there are no more purple-level missions."

I personally contacted the Reward Hall to verify, and it is indeed true that they no longer exist.

A strong wind was blowing in the courtyard, scattering osmanthus petals that landed on the stone steps. Xue Xiang reached out and caught one, then squeezed it tightly, his knuckles turning white: "Does this mean there are no requirements for accepting a purple-level mission?"

Wei Fan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said leisurely, "If you can take on this job even with zero credits, then others can too."

Xue Xiang was taken aback, a look of surprise and confusion flashing across his face: "What if you accept the task but fail to complete it? Won't there be any punishment?"

“No.” Wei Fan put down his teacup. “At most, it was a wasted effort.”

Xue Xiang remained silent for a long time, then his eyes suddenly turned cold: "I understand."

Wei Fan glanced at him sideways: "What do you understand?"

"It must be Yin Tianci."

Xue Xiang narrowed his eyes. "He's the one who framed me for soliciting prostitutes. By the way, didn't Chen Jingting implicate Yin Tianci? How could that guy, as the mastermind, be unscathed?"

Wei Fan said, "Chen Jingting keeps his mouth shut and has taken all the blame."

Yin Tianci's father was Yin Zhuangchou, a powerful Nascent Soul cultivator, no ordinary person, and the Grand Elder of the Tongjiang School.

His energy is beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

Yin Tianci would certainly not fall at Canglan Academy.

Xue Xiang said, "In that case, Yin Tianci must have found out my identity and spread it."

He incited a group of aristocratic scions to join forces and accept all the purple-level quests.

Wei Fan nodded, a half-smile playing on his lips: "You've got a good eye, kid. But it's not that Yin Tianci has that much influence, it's that in the eyes of these aristocratic scions, you're already seen as a demon."

They'd rather forgo their own academic credits than let you get away with blocking their way.

Xue Xiang felt a pang of pain in his heart, almost wanting to crush the osmanthus petals in his hand into powder, and glared at Wei Fan: "Teacher, how can you still laugh?"

Wei Fan spread his hands. "What else can we do? The mission is gone, that's it."

Xue Xiang was unconvinced and pressed on, "There must be a way, right? You have connections with the Reward Hall."

Wei Fan slowly chewed on a piece of dried tofu and shook his head: "It's no use who I have connections with. I can't just issue you tasks myself, can I?"

Upon hearing this, Xue Xiang's eyes lit up, and he smiled, "That's right, why can't the teacher issue missions? I remember that other teachers can create missions like a princess getting married and needing someone to escort her."

Why can't you help your students find a way out?

When Wei Fan saw that Xue Xiang was serious, he was both amused and annoyed. "Do you think purple-level missions are so easy to issue? They must be approved by the highest elders of the academy."

Furthermore, what can I publish?

Could you come to my house and wipe the table and mop the floor?
That's a joke.

Xue Xiangdao said, "If there is an extremely difficult matter concerning the imperial court..."

Could the teacher push this difficult matter through the elders' council for review, and then release it for me to take over?

Wei Fan was stunned. After a long pause, he stared at Xue Xiang and said, "You kid aren't talking nonsense, are you? There's something difficult about you, and it concerns the imperial court."

If it's such a difficult problem, how come so many important figures in the imperial court couldn't solve it?

Do you have to step in and solve this?

Come, come, tell me, let me see what this is all about.

Xue Xiang said, "The people from the Great Zhou delegation haven't left yet, have they?"
They wanted to bring back the golden statue of Dao Yun, but we refused to let them.

Neither side can afford to damage diplomatic relations, so we're stuck here. I ask you, isn't this a difficult situation?

Does it meet the standards for a purple-level mission?

Wei Fan froze, then suddenly stood up and grabbed Xue Xiang's arm. "What? Do you have a way to solve this?"

Xue Xiang said, "There's no solution yet, but we can give it a try."

Please don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you.

I can provide the results first, and then you can proceed to process this matter as a task and approve it.

Wei Fan became interested and pointed at Xue Xiang, saying, "If you can really perform this magic trick, why shouldn't I play along with you?"

"Then it's a deal."

Xue Xiang picked up the earthenware basin that held the rice porridge and used it as his rice bowl.

"Leave some for me, the way you're eating..."

…………

Canglan Mountains, Lonely Cloud Peak.

As dusk settled, the Canglan Mountains stretched endlessly.

The sea of ​​clouds surged, and the last rays of the setting sun shone on the peaks, turning the towering cliffs into shades of crimson gold and purple.

The mountain wind whistles through the trees, and the sound of the pines rises and falls like the tide.

White cranes soar in the distance, their silhouettes stretching across the afterglow of the sunset, creating an effect reminiscent of an unfolding scroll painting.

Xue Xiang flew over on a magic carpet and indeed saw Su Ning.

He was really going all out to get the purple-level mission.

He made a solemn promise to Wei Fan, but in the end, he still needed Suning's help to put it into practice.

Moreover, this is just wishful thinking on his part. Whether Suning will help, or even if they can help at all, is entirely up to fate.

He had already found out that the Great Zhou delegation would be leaving early tomorrow morning.

He went to great lengths to find out where Su Ning was and eventually came here.

Then they saw Su Ning sitting cross-legged on the green hilltop, his white clothes fluttering in the wind.

His spiritual energy surged, and his sword intent soared into the sky, transforming into streaks of sharp sword light, like a galaxy falling suddenly, cleaving through the void.

The sword light was so sharp that it even made the air whistle and moan as it was cut.

Xue Xiang stood only a few feet away when he felt a sharp chill penetrate his bones, and he was secretly horrified: this woman's swordsmanship was already close to the pinnacle.

The sword light gradually subsided, and the sound of the wind also ceased.

Su Ning opened her eyes, her clear, cold gaze like autumn water, and looked calmly at Xue Xiang, her voice without the slightest ripple: "Brother Xu, what brings you here?"

Xue Xiang bowed respectfully, his smile tinged with seriousness: "I have come here today because I have a difficult problem and would like to ask Brother Su for help."

Su Ning was slightly taken aback, then raised an eyebrow and asked in a cold tone, "Looking for me? Asking for help?"

Xue Xiang looked directly into her eyes, a smile playing on his lips, but his tone was sincere: "I thought we were friends."

The wind rose from the valley, causing the white clothes to flutter.

Su Ning was stunned.

The word "friend" was like a pebble dropped into a lake, creating ripples. She had grown up in the Great Zhou court, under the rule of the emperor, and her heart was as cold as ice. She had never had a "friend" before.

Xue Xiang's bluntness, however, stirred a strange feeling in her heart.

She was silent for a moment before speaking softly, "What do you want me to do for you?"

Xue Xiangdao said, "I would like to ask Brother Su to give up welcoming back the Golden Body of Dao Yun."

Su Ning raised an eyebrow. "I'm afraid I can't help you."

Xue Xiang cupped his hands in greeting, "I know that the fate of the Golden Body is now a matter of diplomatic relations between our two countries."

The demon race is rampant in the north, causing hostility between our two countries. Only the demon race will be happy about this.

"If Brother Su can help persuade the delegation not to bring back the Golden Body of Dao Yun, I am willing to venture alone into the chaotic Wen Yuan Sea to retrieve the remains of General Zhongwu and bestow some of his remains upon you, Brother Su."

"what!"

Su Ning jumped up, his handsome eyes gleaming, staring intently at Xue Xiang.

This was simply because what Xue Xiang said was too shocking.

The key to this shock lies in the person of General Zhongwu.

Thirty thousand years ago, there was neither the Xia nor the Zhou dynasty; the world was unified under one rule, with only the Qin dynasty, a single lineage for ten thousand generations.

Just then, the Crimson Sun Demon Clan invaded, shattering the land of Great Qin and scattering its people across the world.

Just as the human race was on the verge of decline and about to be annihilated by the Crimson Sun Demon Clan, the scholar Li Chaoshu rose from humble beginnings and single-handedly turned the tide, crushing the Crimson Sun Demon Clan and driving them back to the Crimson Sun Abyss. He then transported a literary stele to seal the Crimson Sun Demon Clan away forever.

When the great war ended, Li Chaoshu was also exhausted and perished in the chaotic sea of ​​literature formed by the lingering influence of the Zhenwen Stele.

A thousand years later, after the Qin Dynasty collapsed, various states were established, all of which revered him as the symbol of legitimacy and bestowed upon him the posthumous title of 'Zhongwu' (忠武).

The remains of such unparalleled heroes have immense political significance.

Especially the royal family of the Great Zhou Dynasty, whose acquisition of the country was illegitimate, increasingly proclaimed themselves as the legitimate rulers.

They even want to bring back a golden body imbued with Daoist essence to the country. If it were the remains of Zhongwu, it would probably be worthy of being written about in great detail.

It was precisely because Xue Xiang understood the secret that he revealed this condition.

The wind suddenly picked up at the summit, whipping Su Ning's long hair.

She stared at Xue Xiang and said coldly, "Why should I believe you? What ability do you have to venture into the chaotic Wen Yuan? The literary atmosphere there is disordered, and there is danger everywhere. People kill each other with their literary energy. Even your Great Xia's so-called 'Master of Poetry and Prose,' Bei Qiu Ke, probably wouldn't dare to say that there is much hope."

"I am Beiqiu Ke, using the pseudonym Xu Yi. I have come here to study, simply to avoid some trouble."

Xue Xiang knew that he absolutely had no choice but to reveal his true identity.

"what!"

Su Ning was shocked and suddenly murmured, "Only he could unlock the secrets of that painting."

Su Ning took a deep breath and said, "Even so, you must first bring back Zhongwu's remains before I can persuade the delegation to give up on bringing back the Dao Yun Golden Body."

Xue Xiang shook his head, "There's no such thing as a free lunch. You and I both know that the Daoist Golden Body is one to a hundred compared to the remains of Zhongwu."

If I am certain that I have brought back the remains of Zhongwu, why would I exchange one hundred for one of yours?

Even if Brother Su has never been to a gambling den, he should know the significance of placing a bet.

The Golden Body of Dao is the bet you placed.

Similarly, it was also a bet I placed.

Without this bet, we couldn't have made this bet.

"Just tell me."

Even though he said that, Su Ning's interest was still piqued by Xue Xiang.

Xue Xiangdao said, "To be honest, I entered Canglan Academy this time only to contemplate the Wendao Stele."

To contemplate the Wendao Stele, one must accumulate a sufficient number of credits.

For me, time was extremely limited, so I had to resort to unconventional methods.

Accepting a mission that has been shelved for years became my only option.

Among the many long-forgotten missions, one is to bring back the remains of Zhongwu.

This task is meaningful for both of us, so I will choose it.

Su Ning nodded, "You're very smart. You know what you want and how to get it."

"Now that you've made your choice, just do it. Why bother talking about betting?"

Xue Xiangdao said, "The prerequisite for accepting a sealed-level mission is having experience completing a purple-level mission."

Now, all the purple-level missions in the Reward Hall have been taken.

I discussed with Master Wei and decided to set the task of preventing you from welcoming back the Golden Body of Dao as a Purple-level mission.

Only by accepting this mission am I qualified to retrieve the remains of Zhongwu.

Su Ning said, "It sounds good, one thing leading to another."

But the Wen Yuan Sea is unsealed; if you want to carry out this mission, who can stop you?

Xue Xiang thought to himself, "This person is very shrewd and not easy to fool. That being said, all the sealed-level missions have index information, which is related to the success rate of bringing back Zhongwu's remains. I can only obtain these indexes by accepting missions through the Hall of Rewards."

Brother Su, we hit it off immediately, so helping me now is helping you.

If you lose this bet, you will be reprimanded by your country's court, while I will lose my life.

After Xue Xiang finished speaking, the world remained silent for a long time.

As dusk deepened and the sea of ​​clouds churned, only the two figures remained, locked in a standoff.

Su Ning suddenly snorted, "No matter what you say, you still haven't proven that you are the Sad Autumn Guest."

Xue Xiang was overjoyed, "That's easy, I'll take you to see Master Wei."

Su Ning shook his head. "I want to see Bei Qiu Ke, not Wei Fan's student."

Xue Xiang spread his hands and said, "Proving one's identity is just as difficult as proving one's not mentally ill."

Su Ning turned his head, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "It's hard to prove someone is mentally ill, but easy to prove someone is a 'melancholy autumn guest.' This place is vast and open; if someone is truly a 'melancholy autumn guest' in front of me, how could there be no poetry?"

Xue Xiang sighed, "My mind is in turmoil right now, how can I be in the mood to compose poems? Brother Su, you are asking me to do something I don't understand."

Su Ning said, "I will only give Brother Xue twenty breaths. If Xue Xiangruo still cannot prove his identity after twenty breaths, all previous promises will be for naught."

"One, two..."

"Beans are boiled with beanstalks as fuel, and the beans weep in the pot. We are born of the same root, why are you so eager to harm us?"

The situations were so similar that Xue Xiang blurted it out.

"We are of the same root, why are we so eager to fight each other?"

Su Ning murmured the poem several times before stopping, then bowed deeply to Xue Xiang, saying, "The name 'Lament for Autumn' is well-deserved; I believe it today."

I hope Brother Xue will forgive me for any offense I may have caused.

(End of this chapter)