At 100 years old, he joined the army in place of his granddaughter, and became a national war god.

The capital of the Great Qian Dynasty, the residence of the God of War who protects the nation.

In the training ground in the backyard of the mansion...

Sword energy crisscrossed the courtyard as two slender, tall figures sparred and exchanged blows.

It was Su Qingxue and Xiao Yunchuan.

Two figures in green clashed and weaved through the air, their swords flashing fiercely, the sound of their blades piercing the air never ceasing.

Xiao Yunchuan has practiced martial arts since childhood, with a solid foundation. His swordsmanship is steady and profound, and every move carries the calm demeanor of a prestigious school. He is well-balanced in offense and defense, and moves with ease, far surpassing his peers.

In comparison, Su Qingxue beside him was younger and slender, yet her swordsmanship was stunning and sharp.

Her swordplay is unpredictable and ever-changing, light and swift, not bound by rules, each move is tricky and exquisite, the sword light rises and falls with the speed of a startled swan, seeking victory in danger, and the variations are endless.

Despite her young age, she possessed exceptional martial arts talent, and her sword intent was sharp and even more formidable. After several exchanges, Xiao Yunchuan was repeatedly suppressed by her swordplay, forced to retreat step by step and unable to find an opportunity to counterattack.

Inside the pavilion, Su Mu leaned against a bamboo chair, dressed in a plain-colored robe, his temples slightly frosted, his expression serene and tranquil.

He held a cup of warm tea in his hand, the steam rising gently, and quietly watched the two younger people exchanging sword techniques in the arena.

Watching his granddaughter and her carefully taught apprentices practice martial arts peacefully and grow up safely, this tranquil life is a rare and pleasant sight in this lifetime.

A gentle smile appeared in Su Mu's eyes.

The sparring in the training ground did not last long.

A moment later, the two sword lights suddenly stopped.

Su Qingxue and Xiao Yunchuan finished their moves and stood side by side, their breathing slightly uneven, fine beads of sweat on their foreheads, but their eyes were bright and their spirits were high.

The two exchanged a smile, then turned around together and walked quickly toward the pavilion.

The girl has bright, expressive eyes, and the boy has a tall, upright figure!

They all looked expectant and obedient, their eyes fixed on the old man in the pavilion, filled with joy and hoping to receive Su Mu's praise and approval.

It was as if a single word of praise from him was worth more than a thousand words of praise from others.

Su Mu saw through their little schemes, his eyes smiling, but he did not praise them as they wished. Instead, he slowly put down his teacup, his tone calm and composed.

"His skills have improved, his foundation has become more solid, and his offense and defense have become more proficient."

"But do not be proud or complacent."

"The path of martial arts is endless; there is always something beyond the heavens and something beyond people."

"My current level of skill is not enough to rely on; I still need to devote myself to diligent practice and improve day and night."

Upon hearing this, the two men showed no sign of slackening or arrogance. They immediately composed themselves, cupped their hands, and bowed respectfully and humbly.

"Grandpa, Qingxue will remember."

"Your disciple will remember your teachings, Master. I will dedicate myself to cultivation from now on, work diligently, and never slacken my efforts!"

Su Mu nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Xiao Yunchuan, and asked softly, "Yunchuan, how is your progress in cultivating the Nine Yang Turtle Breathing Technique?"

The Nine Yang Turtle Breathing Technique is an unparalleled internal energy cultivation method. It is extremely difficult to cultivate, with each level being a challenge. Ordinary martial artists may not be able to break through even one level in several years.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yunchuan immediately lowered his head and clasped his hands, his posture sincere and respectful, and honestly replied:

"Master, I am dull-witted and have only managed to cultivate the technique to the third level. My progress is slow and there are still many subtle aspects that I have not yet fully comprehended. I will have to trouble you to give me more guidance in the future."

He spoke humbly, without a trace of boasting or arrogance.

Looking at the steady and reliable young man before him, Su Mu secretly admired him.

The Nine Yang Turtle Breathing Technique is profound and difficult to master. Even for ordinary people with exceptional talent, reaching one level per year is the limit. However, Xiao Yunchuan, at a young age, steadily broke through to the third level in just two months.

Such a cultivation speed far surpasses that of his peers, truly demonstrating exceptional talent.

However, in martial arts cultivation, one must guard against arrogance and impetuosity; he has always discouraged younger generations from developing arrogance.

Therefore, Su Mu simply nodded and said gently, "The progress is acceptable. Keep your composure and continue to make steady progress."

"Yes, disciple will remember!" Xiao Yunchuan bowed again.

Having said that, he didn't linger any longer, turned around and left quickly, heading to his private training room to continue his arduous practice, not daring to waste a single moment.

Seeing Xiao Yunchuan's diligence and self-discipline, and his continuous improvement every day, Su Qingxue was deeply moved.

She has always been competitive and ambitious, and seeing that even she herself was working so hard, she knew she couldn't afford to slack off.

He immediately suppressed his playful nature, bowed to Su Mu, and followed him away to focus on cultivating his swordsmanship and internal energy.

The courtyard pavilion instantly returned to its previous tranquility.

A gentle breeze blows, leaves fall silently, and only Su Mu sits alone in the pavilion, leisurely sipping tea and enjoying a moment of tranquility.

……

Before long, a series of steady footsteps came from outside the courtyard gate.

Gu Changfeng walked briskly into the backyard with upright posture and steady steps. Reaching the pavilion, he bowed respectfully to Su Mu, who was seated there, and reported:

"Elder Su, General Xu Cheng and General Han Shixun have come to visit you and are waiting outside the residence, wishing to pay their respects."

Su Mu was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, a hint of surprise in his eyes. He smiled and said, "Both of you are my trusted comrades who have followed me for many years. There is no need for such formality and restraint. Come as you please. There is no need to announce your arrival and wait for you."

Upon hearing this, Gu Changfeng gently reminded him, pinpointing the key point in one sentence.

"Elder Su, the two of them have come today specifically to say goodbye."

"Recently, the imperial decree has been issued, and the two will soon be ordered by the emperor to leave the capital to guard the East China Sea and the border of the Eastern Barbarians respectively, and go to the frontier to take up their posts and guard their respective territories."

Upon hearing this, Su Mu suddenly understood.

He's been so relaxed lately that he's completely forgotten about it.

He immediately rose and flicked his sleeve, a hint of reluctance in his eyes, yet he remained composed, smiling as he said, "It seems this old man has been senile! Such an important matter cannot be neglected. Quickly, come with me to the main hall to see them!"

After saying that, Su Mu strode towards the front hall, turning back to instruct Gu Changfeng at the same time.

"Quickly instruct the kitchen to prepare a sumptuous feast."

"Today, I will personally hold a farewell banquet for Xu Cheng and Shi Xun!"

"Your subordinate obeys!" Gu Changfeng responded and immediately turned to make the arrangements.

Su Mu walked leisurely through the layers of corridors and courtyards, heading straight for the main hall of the mansion.

At this moment, several people were already quietly waiting in the majestic and solemn main hall of the God of War's Mansion.

Qin Hao, Xu Cheng, Zhao Tieniu, Han Shixun, You Zhongyi, Xiao Yichun, and Xiao Yidong stood on either side of the hall, each with an upright posture and extraordinary demeanor.

Upon learning that Xu Cheng and Han Shixun were about to be sent to guard the border, everyone gathered here today to wait for Su Mu and to see them off.

The moment Su Mu stepped into the main hall, everyone inside raised their eyes, their expressions respectful. Without exception, they bowed and clasped their hands, saying in unison, "Greetings, General Su!"

The shouts were orderly, powerful, and full of respect.

"No need for formalities, we are all brothers, no need to be so reserved and polite, please take your seats." Su Mu raised his hand to help them up, his smile gentle and his tone friendly.

Everyone straightened up as instructed, and was about to take their seats in turn.

Inside the hall, Xu Cheng and Han Shixun exchanged a glance, their eyes meeting, both filled with complex emotions, their eyes revealing reluctance and emotion.

During their journey to the East China Sea, they followed Su Mu closely, fought on the battlefield, and endured bloodshed. Their life's glory and disgrace, and their future prospects, were all thanks to Su Mu's meticulous cultivation and guidance.

Having spent every day with him, he had long regarded Su Mu as a close relative or elder.

Now, having been ordered to leave the capital and go to a remote border post to guard the frontier, the journey is long and the return date is uncertain. I don't know when I will be able to see Su Mu again.

A surge of reluctance welled up in my heart.

Without further hesitation, the two stepped forward together, knelt on one knee side by side, and solemnly bowed to Su Mu in front of them, their voices earnest and hoarse, full of longing.

"We are very grateful to Professor Su for his guidance and mentorship!"

"I have been ordered to leave the capital for the distant frontier, and I do not know when I will return. I will not be able to serve you day and night from now on, and I am extremely reluctant to part with you!"

Seeing the two kneeling to bid farewell, Su Mu felt a mixture of warmth and sorrow in his heart. He quickly stepped forward, bent down, and gently helped them up, saying in a warm voice:

"You two don't need to do this."

"Get up immediately!"

Once the two had steadied themselves, Su Mu looked at his two beloved generals with gentle eyes and slowly began to comfort them, his voice steady and clear: "In life, gatherings and separations are all predestined; there is no banquet that does not end."

"You are brave and skilled in battle, and deeply trusted by the imperial court. This time, you have been ordered to guard the borders of the East Sea and the Eastern Barbarians, taking charge of your own territory and becoming regional military commanders. This is a great honor and the beginning of a bright future. You should be overjoyed and excited. Why are you so sentimental and reluctant to part?"

Zhao Tieniu, a burly and honest man standing nearby, immediately chimed in loudly, grinning, "Old Su is absolutely right!"

"Brother Xu Cheng, Brother Shi Xun, you are now great generals guarding a region, protecting the nation's borders, and achieving great merit. What glory and honor! You should be celebrating! If it were me, Tie Niu, I would be more than happy to have such an opportunity, but I regret that I don't have it!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Cheng couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head with genuine envy in his eyes: "Brother Tie Niu, you jest. We envy you more for being able to stay in the capital year-round, by Elder Su's side, listening to his teachings day and night, living a peaceful and prosperous life. This is a blessing that few others can obtain."

Everyone in the hall smiled upon hearing this.

Su Mu patted the two on the shoulders, his tone sincere and warm, and comforted them, "Don't worry, no matter where you go or what territory you guard, in my heart you will always be my subordinates and family of the War God's Mansion."

"Go to the border and perform your duties with peace of mind, and do your best to protect the territory of the Great Qian."

Qin Hao, who was standing to the side, smiled and joked at the right moment, breaking the faint sadness of parting in the hall.

"If you two continue to kneel and refuse to part like this, we old brothers are afraid we'll all have to kneel down and pay our respects along with you!"

As soon as he finished speaking, bursts of hearty laughter filled the main hall, instantly transforming the slightly somber atmosphere into a relaxed and harmonious one.

……

Before long, the kitchen servants filed in carrying delicacies and fine wines, and the long table was filled with a variety of delicious dishes. The wine was mellow and the food was fragrant.

Everyone took their seats in turn, clinked glasses, and drank heartily.

There was no court intrigue or military discipline during the gathering; only warm and casual conversation between brothers and close friends.

The group raised their glasses, chatting and laughing, reminiscing about the glorious years they fought side by side on the battlefield, discussing the turbulent East China Sea, the customs and culture of the border regions of the Eastern Barbarians, and recalling the thrilling and interesting stories of their bloody battles.

Scenes from the past are recounted one by one, including thrilling and desperate situations, triumphant victories, playful banter, and life-and-death bonds.

Laughter and cheerful voices echoed throughout the main hall, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, as they talked about their years of companionship and the thought of being separated by distance and rarely able to reunite, the young Han Shixun was overcome with emotion. His nose tingled, his eyes reddened, and he couldn't help but shed a few tears of reluctance.

The iron-willed general, fearless on the battlefield, was moved to tears at this moment of parting.

Upon seeing this, everyone was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter, raised their glasses to comfort each other, and joked and teased to ease the sorrow of parting.

The farewell banquet was a joyous and heartfelt affair, filled with deep emotions.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill and the idle chatter had subsided, and the atmosphere in the hall had calmed down somewhat, a servant hurriedly entered the main hall, bowed deeply, and respectfully reported:

"Your Excellency, the Prime Minister has personally come to request an audience, stating that he has extremely urgent matters to report to you immediately!"

Upon hearing this, the laughter and chatter in the hall instantly ceased. Everyone's expression hardened, and they all stopped their idle conversation, creating a tense atmosphere.

Prime Minister Wang Ben personally visited the door and made it clear that it was an urgent matter, not a trivial official affair.

Su Mu's expression hardened slightly, and he immediately ordered in a deep voice, "Quickly, invite the Prime Minister into the hall!"

"Yes!" The servant acknowledged the order and quickly withdrew.

In a flash, Wang Ben, dressed in official robes and walking hurriedly, strode into the main hall. His face was completely devoid of its usual composure; his brows and eyes were filled with seriousness and urgency. He rushed towards Su Mu, cupped his hands, and loudly reported:

"General Su! Urgent military intelligence..."

"The entire border of the Yan Kingdom is in turmoil; large armies are stockpiling at the frontier, ready to pounce; a great battle is imminent!"