The First Sage of Military Strategists

Chapter 153 Reunion with the two elders, their kindness is as heavy as a mountain!

All of this is a long story, but in reality it only took a moment. The two of them met once, and a million thoughts flashed through their minds.

"sit!"

Qi Wufeng gestured for him to sit in the first chair on the left, and Han Qing didn't hesitate and sat down immediately.

But this sitting down caused trouble. The eyes of everyone in the flower hall were once again focused on him. Many of them looked at him with hostility, while others were confused and secretly guessing Han Qing's identity.

There's no other reason than that the left side is considered the most honorable in the court, and the first chair on the left signifies that, in Qi Wufeng's eyes, Han Qing is the person of the highest status among all the guests.

In this era, especially among martial artists, only strength matters, nothing else. Therefore, whoever sits in the first chair must be stronger than everyone else around them.

Han Qing glanced around, taking in the expressions of everyone around him. He knew exactly what they were thinking, but he remained calm and unconcerned.

Within three or five breaths of stepping into the hall, he had already figured out the strength of the people present. Apart from the burly man with dark gold skin and a blood-red scimitar at his waist who was directly opposite him and had some ability, the others were all quite ordinary.

Of course, this is generally compared to himself. If placed in a whole state, there are also many powerful individuals with considerable strength.

"Han Qing, we are discussing how to deal with the Luo family. Since you are here, why not offer some suggestions?" Qi Wufeng said.

Upon hearing Qi Wufeng directly name him, Han Qing immediately understood that everyone in the hall was trustworthy, at least worthy of Qi Wufeng's trust.

After a moment's thought, he uttered a startling statement.

"My lord, if we want to eliminate the Luo family in Shu, I think we must first cut off their money and supplies. That is the lifeblood of the Luo family!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the bald, burly man opposite him sneered, "If we could really cut off their money and supplies, the Luo family would naturally fall apart. But that's easier said than done. Do you know that the Luo family's caravans are second only to the Qian family in popularity throughout the world? The Luo family in Shu has restaurants and shops in major towns and cities. In addition, they have their main family in the capital and even the support of the imperial court. To achieve this, I don't know how much silver it would take. These words are nothing but empty talk!"

Han Qing raised an eyebrow. This big man had been exuding a strong hostility ever since he sat down in the chair. He must be a narrow-minded person who felt uncomfortable seeing him as young and weak, yet being able to overpower him. His words were full of barbs and provocation.

Han Qing wasn't one to shy away from trouble, but with Qi Wufeng present, a rash conflict that could damage the harmony was something he didn't want to see. So he simply ignored the bald, burly man and said unhurriedly, "Sir, this action will inevitably consume a lot of silver. I will contribute two thousand taels of silver, and I am determined to completely collapse the Luo Family Merchant Guild in Shu before winter!"

These words caused an uproar throughout the room, and even Qi Wufeng found them somewhat unbelievable.

Fortunately, he knew Han Qing's personality; he didn't like to boast, so he didn't react much.

However, the other guests in the flower hall were different. They didn't know Han Qing and thought he was talking in his sleep when they heard these words. Many people's gazes towards Han Qing changed drastically, as if they were looking at a fool.

"Haha!" The burly man with dark skin burst into laughter. "Young man, are you spouting nonsense? Two thousand taels of silver is almost a third of the imperial court's annual tax revenue. If you could really come up with such a large sum, let alone six months, you could completely cripple the Luo Family Merchant Guild in three months!"

"Han Qing, can you really come up with such a large sum of money?" Qi Wufeng secretly transmitted his thoughts.

"Uncle Qi, rest assured, I am not one to speak nonsense. If I can make a promise, I can definitely deliver!" Han Qing replied.

There was a lot of silver in the Boundless Monument, two thousand taels, and he actually managed to take it out.

He couldn't help but marvel once again at the power of Yuelu Academy; it was truly as rich as a country, and it was understandable that the imperial court had considered killing it back then.

A thought flashed through Han Qing's mind, and he turned his gaze to the burly man in front of him, asking with a smile, "May I ask who you are?"

"I am Duan Zanghai!" the burly man said in a deep voice.

"Duan Zanghai? So you're the number one expert in Shanhai City, Shu. I've heard you have a Blood-Refined Treasure Blade, extremely sharp. I'd like to test it out today and see if it's all talk and no action," Han Qing chuckled.

He was no longer willing to tolerate it. This man was provoking him again, and he couldn't let himself be bullied like a pushover.

"This sword is in my hand. If you want to see it, come and get it if you have the ability!" Duan Zanghai also became interested, took the sword from his waist, and sneered.

As soon as he finished speaking, Han Qing moved. In a flash, he transformed into a black shadow and disappeared. When he sat down in the chair again, he had a knife in his hand. Duan Zanghai, who was sitting in the chair, had his smile completely frozen and his eyes were full of horror.

The others in the flower hall also looked surprised. A considerable number of them had not seen Han Qing's movements clearly, while others had seen them but only afterimages.

However, regardless of whether he saw it clearly or not, it is a fact that Han Qing easily snatched the knife from Duan Zanghai, which shows that there is a huge difference in strength between the two.

Duan Zanghai is a genuine Martial Saint, so by that logic, Han Qing's strength must be extremely terrifying.

In an instant, the people looked at Han Qing with no trace of amusement, only fear.

Many people were filled with questions: Who is Han Qing? What is his strength? Why was he able to disarm him so easily?

Duan Zanghai, as the victim, was even more terrified.

Han Qing's speed was indeed fast, but what was even more terrifying was his mental energy. In that instant, a multitude of distracting thoughts appeared out of thin air within his body, rendering him unable to move.

"This person is so young, he is not only a Martial Saint, but also a Half-Saint!"

Duan Zanghai was shocked and immediately bowed his hands in apology: "I was blind and did not recognize a true hero. I have offended you just now. I hope you will not hold it against me!"

Han Qing casually tossed the knife in his hand back into Duan Zanghai's hand and chuckled, "It's just a small matter, I certainly won't take it to heart."

Over the next half hour, the group discussed many countermeasures against the Luo family in Shu.

After Han Qing established his authority, no one dared to underestimate him in the slightest. When he spoke, everyone listened attentively and dared not be distracted.

After the negotiations concluded, many guests departed, while Han Qing followed Qi Wufeng to a spacious hall nearby.

Han Qing then gave a brief account of his experiences during his trip to the North, which moved Qi Wufeng deeply.

"I never imagined that Han Qing, your strength would surpass mine in just two years. Your talent is unparalleled throughout history. In a few more years, perhaps even Han Yi and the Mo family's leader will not be your match!" Qi Wufeng said.

Han Qing took a sip of hot tea and asked, "Uncle Qi, are my parents alright?"

“Your parents are doing well in the manor. I’ll have Steward Wang take you to visit them later,” Qi Wufeng said.

"Thank you, Uncle Qi!" Han Qing nodded. In his eyes, these adoptive parents were no less than his biological parents, and he always kept them in his heart.

"Han Qing, you have become partners with Yan Qiuling in the North and have shown such amazing talent. The court is already getting restless. Envoys are already rushing to the court. I guess they are here to demand the return of the two elders," Qi Wufeng suddenly said.

Upon hearing this, Han Qing's expression turned cold.

Although the two elders were not related to him by blood, they had been incredibly kind to him. The fact that the court wanted to take action against them had already touched a raw nerve.

"Hmph! I've heard that there are countless experts in the palace, but I've never had the chance to experience them firsthand. This time, I'll see just how capable these palace guards really are." Han Qing snorted coldly, his eyes gleaming with confidence.

Qi Wufeng nodded slightly: "Don't worry, with me here, I will definitely not let these people succeed."

A maidservant stepped forward and poured Han Qing another cup of hot tea. Han Qing held the blue-and-white porcelain cup, gently parted the floating green tea leaves with the lid, blew away the rising steam, and took a small sip of the tea.

While drinking tea, he calmly considered and quickly sorted out the things he needed to do.

"Uncle Qi, there's something else I need to do since I came back. My mother was such a remarkable person, yet there's no place to pay respects to her after her passing. I'd like to find a good feng shui site inside or outside the city to build an empty grave for her. In the future, I also want to build a shrine for her so that I can offer incense and sacrifices to her every day to comfort her spirit in heaven!" Han Qing said.

Qi Wufeng nodded slightly, his appreciation for Han Qing growing even stronger. He smiled and said, "Your filial piety must make your mother in heaven quite pleased. This is a small matter; I'll instruct my servants to take care of it right away."

"Thank you, Uncle Qi!" Han Qing cupped his hands in thanks.

At this moment, a guard in black strode into the room, went straight to Qi Wufeng, and presented him with a secret letter with both hands.

"My lord, a secret message from our spies in Chu!"

Qi Wufeng took the letter, quickly glanced at it, and then handed it to Han Qing.

"This Ying is truly remarkable. He has occupied all of Chu, his influence is immense, and he has countless experts under his command. I've also heard that he has secretly received assistance from the leader of the Mohist school, making him a major concern for the imperial court!" Qi Wufeng said slowly.

Han Qing read the letter slowly and calmly, then shook his head: "This person's martial arts talent is indeed amazing, but he is arrogant and violent, and also has a natural lust for women. He has gathered a large number of women in Chu. I don't think he is anything to fear!"

Qi Wufeng's spies were of unknown origin, but their letters clearly indicated that they were from Xiang Ying's inner circle and had a very detailed and thorough understanding of him.

Qi Wufeng played with the jade walnut, and he quite agreed with it.

"Liu Yue was a kind and generous elder who was very benevolent to those around him and to the common people. Compared to him, Xiang Ying was indeed much worse."

Just then, a clear, melodious female voice came from outside.

"Master, breakfast is ready!"

Han Qing glanced around and saw a woman in a light blue robe step out of the room, bowing slightly in a respectful manner.

Qi Wufeng stood up from his chair: "Han Qing, you're here so early, you probably haven't eaten yet. Come on, let's eat first, we can discuss other things later!"

"it is good!"

Han Qing did not eat breakfast. At his level, it was not a big deal for him to go without food for a while.

However, since Qi Wufeng had taken the initiative to invite him, he couldn't very well refuse.

Before long, the two arrived at the dining hall, where the maids served each of them a bowl of noodles. There were also no fewer than fifteen kinds of pastries and dishes on the table.

Han Qing picked up a mouthful of noodles, but the thin strands of noodles emitted a faint golden luster, and a faint sweet aroma entered his nostrils, making him feel happy and his blood and energy seemed to surge throughout his body.

He put the noodles into his mouth and chewed them carefully, finding them very chewy.

"Not bad!"

"This is Golden Silk Dragon Beard Noodles, which contains no fewer than twelve kinds of precious medicinal herbs, and is of great help to martial arts cultivation!" Qi Wufeng introduced.

Han Qing quickly finished the bowl of noodles without asking the maid to serve him another.

He now eats mainly to savor the flavor of the food, and one bowl is enough for him.

Qi Wufeng did the same; after putting the last bite of noodles into his mouth, he didn't eat anything else.

"A major event has recently occurred in the North. Jing Shou, the leader of the Black Sparrow Alliance, is about to break through to the next realm and undergo tribulation. If he succeeds, his strength will increase greatly. If he fails, he may die and perish. He is nearing the end of his life, and this is his last gamble!"

"So that's how it is. No wonder the Black Sparrow Alliance remained completely silent when the imperial court took action against the demon race." A look of understanding appeared in Han Qing's eyes.

The headquarters of the Black Sparrow Alliance is located in Tongzhou in the north. As one of the six great martial arts holy lands in the world, its strength is extremely formidable.

However, he had not seen or even heard of any Black Sparrow Alliance experts appearing during the Northern War; it turned out they were preparing to break through their cultivation barriers and undergo tribulation.

"To reach the ninth realm of sainthood, one must undergo nine tribulations and break through nine heavenly gates. Each tribulation is a matter of life and death! Especially for someone like Jing Shou, who is nearing the end of his life and whose vitality is declining, I don't think the success rate is high!" Han Qing analyzed.

“Indeed, my Qi family has a close relationship with the Black Sparrow Alliance. Many experts in my family practice the Path of Assassination, making us one of the most important forces in the Black Sparrow Alliance. If Jing Shou is killed and the Black Sparrow Alliance is in turmoil, my Qi family will inevitably be affected. I may have to return to the North. Han Qing, I'll leave this to you. With you here, I feel more at ease!” Qi Wufeng pondered.

Han Qing nodded slightly: "Uncle Qi, don't worry. Unless Han Yi comes in person, there is no one else to fear."

The two chatted for a while about recent major events, after which Han Qing got up and followed Butler Wang to find his adoptive parents.

...

"Young master, the person is inside."

Before long, Han Qing followed Steward Wang to a courtyard. Han Qing's eyes darted over the gate and saw a rockery and flowing water, with swaying willows and beautiful scenery.

He pushed open the door and entered, and the first thing he saw was a hunched figure dressed in brocade sitting on a chair under the pavilion, holding a fishing rod, fishing in front of a green lake.

Hearing a noise behind him, Han Cheng turned around and glanced around. He was first stunned, then his face lit up with joy, and he stood up from his chair.

"My son, you're back!"

Then, Zhang Cuilian, the foster mother, also walked quickly out of the pavilion next door, tears welling up in her eyes.

They hadn't seen each other for almost two years, which wasn't a long time, but the two elders were very worried when they learned that Han Qing had gone to the north to join the army and fight, fearing that they might hear bad news one day. Now that Han Qing had suddenly appeared, they were overjoyed and were so excited that they couldn't speak for a moment.

Han Qing felt a warmth in his heart when he saw this scene.

Unlike Han Yi, he pursued power so that the people he cared about could live better lives.

Wherever he goes, the thought that there are two people in Sichuan who care about him will always bring him a sense of warmth.

"Father, Mother, why are you crying? I'm fine. Come on, let's go inside and talk!"

Seeing the tears glistening in the eyes of the two elders, Han Qing quickly stood up, a bright smile spreading across his face.

This smile also touched the two elders, bringing a bright smile to their faces as well.

"Qing'er is right. We should be happy today. What kind of behavior is this, crying and sobbing? Come on, let's talk inside," Han Cheng said.

(End of this chapter)