Great Wilderness Demon Lord

Not far from the city gate, on the top floor of a three-story restaurant, a carved wooden window was slightly ajar.

Liu stood by the window, the morning breeze gently lifting the meticulous strands of hair at her temples.

She gazed at the procession on the official road, which gradually turned into black dots and finally disappeared into the smoke and dust on the horizon, her face calm and expressionless, as if she were simply watching an object about to be put into use depart.

Xuan Chengzi sat behind her, poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and his gaze fell on the profile of Liu Shi by the window.

"To drive a tiger away to devour a wolf, to use oneself as a wedge." His voice was calm, yet every word was clear. "Madam Liu's move this time was exceptionally bold."

Liu did not turn around, her voice calm: "It's just seeking change amidst danger. The Xiao family needs a piece that can stir up the situation on the chessboard of the Northern Frontier. The eight demons within him are the best 'stepping stone'—they can both explore the path and scare away the snakes."

"Isn't Madam afraid that this brick might hit her own hand first?" Xuan Chengzi put down his teacup, his eyes sharp. "In the files of the Imperial Observatory, there isn't a single case of the 'Eight Formations for Binding Demons' going out of control ending well."

"So he is both the knife and the gamble." Madam Liu finally turned around, sunlight streaming through the window casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on her deep purple skirt. Her expression was as calm as if she were assessing the gains and losses of a transaction. "If the knife breaks, it proves that he is not worth making. The Xiao family will only lose some of their initial investment, but at least they can see what is hidden beneath the surface of that pool in the North."

Her gaze swept over Xuan Chengzi almost imperceptibly. "The imperial court... would surely be happy to have someone go and touch the 'Four Heavenly Venerables Sect's' arrangements on your behalf, wouldn't it?"

Xuan Chengzi remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "I see. A trial that everyone tacitly agreed upon... but the child must bear the cost of this trial himself."

"He chose this path himself." Madam Liu turned her gaze back to the vast northern horizon, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible, yet each word was clear: "There is never a chance in this world where you can only gain and never lose."

Having chosen this perilous path, he should have understood that from the moment he stepped through these city gates, his life, death, honor, and disgrace would all be in his own hands.

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On the official road, Xiao Yunlan suddenly pulled on the reins and looked back one last time.

The capital city has long since vanished, leaving only a blurry outline of a city wall on the horizon, resembling the spine of a giant beast, standing silently in the gradually brightening morning light, isolating the past eighteen years of life and the undercurrents within the deep mansion behind it.

Even if this journey is fraught with danger, we must persevere and forge ahead!

A cold, resolute smile curved Xiao Yunlan's lips, his eyes showing no more hesitation or second glance. He lightly nudged his horse's flank and gave a low shout:

"drive!"

As he mounted his steed, the horse galloped faster, its armor reflecting a chilling light in the rising sun, merging into the endless billowing dust of the road heading north.

The wheels and hooves rolled steadily across the yellowing fields of late autumn, heading further and further away from the vast land to the north, shrouded in legend and mist, known as the "Great Wilderness."

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The group left the capital and headed north along the official road.

For the first half month, the scenery still retained the charm of the capital region. The official road was paved with bluestone about ten feet high, smooth as a whetstone, and could accommodate six carriages traveling abreast.

Rows of locust and willow trees lined the roadside. It was late autumn, and the willow leaves were half yellow, rustling softly in the morning breeze.

Every twenty li, pavilions were set up for travelers to rest, and every thirty li, post stations were set up. Officials were dressed neatly, and they followed regulations when examining documents and changing horses. Their speech still carried the special respect and orderliness of the capital region.

The villages and towns stretch out one after another, with white walls and blue tiles, and flying eaves and brackets that still retain the style of Jiangnan.

The millet and wheat in the fields have been harvested, leaving neat stubble, and the ditches crisscross like a chessboard.

Caravans traveled in droves along the official road, carrying salt, iron, silk, and porcelain from the south, and furs, medicinal herbs, and dried fruits from the north, forming two opposing rivers of goods on the wide stone road.

Occasionally, carriages from aristocratic families would pass by, their horses sleek and their guards fierce and capable, with embroidered garments faintly visible through the curtains.

Xiao Yunlan noticed that even 300 miles away from the capital, the traces of governance of the Dayong court were still clear—every county town gate tower was tall, with a plaque bearing the words "Enlightenment and Moral Education" hanging above it.

Newly arrived imperial gazettes and county magistrate decrees were posted in front of the government office, the ink still fresh, and scholars had already stopped to copy them; the market had official "fair scales" and "anti-cheating signs" to maintain order in buying and selling.

This dynastic atmosphere, which lasted for three hundred years, had indeed penetrated deep into the fabric of the prefectures and counties.

The veterans were most relaxed on this stretch of the road. When they stayed overnight at the post station, they would gather in the courtyard to drink some rice wine provided by the station, and whisper about the harvest back home and their children's marriages.

Manager Wu was busy chatting with the caravan leaders along the way, noting down the fluctuations in prices in his personal ledger—the price of fur in the north had risen by 30%, and new tea from the south was about to arrive; this information would come in handy in the future.

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As we entered the second ten-day period, the terrain gradually began to change.

The fertile plains gradually transformed into rolling hills and winding river valleys. The official road remained wide, but the color of the stones underfoot had changed from the deep blue of the area near the capital to a slightly rougher light yellow—it was yellow sandstone quarried locally.

The locust and willow trees along the roadside have become sparse, replaced by elm and black locust trees with stronger branches and leaves, which are more resistant to cold and drought.

The post stations were far apart, often requiring a journey of fifty li to reach one, but they were much larger in scale. The stables were expanded to be densely packed, capable of accommodating hundreds of livestock. The sounds of people, hooves, and loading and unloading of goods were incessant day and night, demonstrating the bustling nature of this northward trade route.

The town's appearance has also changed its character without anyone realizing it.

The houses are still brick and wood structures, but the exterior walls are noticeably thicker, and the window frames have simpler and more sturdy designs.

On the street, men mostly wore neat short browns and tight leggings for running around and working; women's hair was neatly styled, and their hairpins and ornaments were mostly made of silver and copper, with few of the elaborate gold and jade ornaments popular in the capital.

The market was still bustling, with goods piled high, but there were fewer stalls selling the exquisite Suzhou embroidery and Shu brocade. Instead, there were more thick and durable northern cotton fabrics, fluffy wool felt blankets, and various sturdy and durable leather goods and ironware.

Pingcheng, the capital of Bei'an County, perfectly embodies the unique characteristics of this border region.

The city walls are high and steep, built of local bluestone, and as heavy as mountains.

Upon entering the city, the guards meticulously examined the documents. Their gaze swept over Xiao Yunlan and the convoy and equipment behind him with an almost instinctive scrutiny—here, the authenticity of the documents was just as important as the competence and reliability of the convoy, as these directly concerned the safety of the city.

The city's streets and alleys are laid out in a straight line, with a layout so orderly it's almost like a military camp.

In the square in front of the city lord's mansion stands a tall "Monument to the Merits of the General Who Guards the North". The inscription is as dense as ant script, recording the merits of seventeen generals who have guarded this place for three hundred years.

The market had a designated "military market" area where garrison soldiers purchased personal items. Vendors displayed "military market signs" and clearly marked prices. The market was subject to government supervision and maintained good order.

When they stayed overnight at the inn, Old Geng added a piece of firewood to the campfire, the firelight reflecting the weathered marks on his face from the years.

"These counties in the north are said to be civilians, but in reality, they are half civilians and half soldiers." He spoke in a low voice, as if he were talking casually. "During the busy farming season, they work in the fields, and during the off-season, they train. This is the norm. Even the sons of ordinary merchants have to join the 'local militia' to learn archery, horsemanship, swordsmanship, and spears when they reach a certain age. It's a completely different scene from the capital."

Xiao Yunlan nodded silently.

He could indeed feel the pulse of this city: it lacked the magnanimity and languor of the capital, but rather every brick and every street exuded a taut, pragmatic strength, as if the entire city were a solid artifact honed to withstand the hardships of the frontier.