Jiang Wang turned his gaze toward Chong Xuan Sheng.

Chong Xuan Sheng, however, found himself unable to utter a single word.

Seeing this, Jiang Wang pressed on, “Was that woman slender of build, with exceptionally fair skin?”

“According to Instructor Zhang, her skin was pale, as if rarely touched by sunlight,” Yan Chan Yi replied.

“Did she leave any message?”

“None,” Yan Chan Yi shook her head, adding by way of explanation, “Over the years, many have come to admire our Academy from the outside. Generally, as long as they don’t interfere with the array formations, we don’t bother them.”

So, Fourteen had indeed come to Jixia Academy. She had shed her iron armor, donned rouge and powder, and dressed in vibrant, resplendent attire.

She seemed never to have adorned herself in such a manner before. Always concealed beneath heavy plate, always wielding that weighty sword to shield Chong Xuan Sheng, she had almost led people to forget that she was a girl.

What thoughts occupied her mind during that night waiting outside Jixia Academy?

And why, at the first blush of dawn, did she depart?

Only an hour… At most, merely an hour separated her departure from Chong Xuan Sheng and Jiang Wang emerging from the Academy.

Only an hour, and she could have been reunited with Chong Xuan Sheng.

But she had not waited.

Jiang Wang could not fathom Fourteen’s feelings, yet he knew, with certainty, that it must have been an agonizing decision.

How deep must one’s love be, to willingly turn away?

Chong Xuan Sheng spun on his heel and strode away.

“I apologize for the disturbance,” Jiang Wang offered a cupped-hand salute of thanks to Yan Chan Yi and hastened after Chong Xuan Sheng.

“What do you intend to do?”

Chong Xuan Sheng flew rapidly through the air, his face devoid of sorrow, etched only with an unyielding resolve. “Find her.”

“Where do you propose to search?”

Jiang Wang instinctively considered activating his Chase Thought Technique, but he and Fourteen had not seen each other for over three months, rendering the Secret Technique ineffective.

Chong Xuan Sheng spoke as he thought, his words tumbling out with great speed. “For her to leave the State of Qi, she must do so quietly, unable to cross the four borders in a grand display. Thus, her speed is necessarily limited. She left at dawn, even assuming the earliest Yin hour, and now it is Shen hour. Six hours’ time. Heading west, north, or south, she could not possibly have exited the State of Qi. As long as she hasn’t gone east out to sea, I can intercept her!”

“And if she went out to sea?” Jiang Wang inquired.

Chong Xuan Sheng replied without a moment’s hesitation, “Then I shall search for her out at sea!”

The Scattered Archipelago of the Near Sea was a vast expanse, its unique geographical environment fostering a complex web of competing forces. Fleeing criminals from the State of Qi often sought refuge in the Scattered Archipelago precisely because, once there, extraction was exceedingly difficult.

Yet, for Chong Xuan Sheng, the search for Fourteen was never a matter to be weighed.

Regardless of Fourteen’s thoughts, regardless of the decision she had made, regardless of where she had gone alone. Whether to the Scattered Archipelago, the Mi Realm, or the Boundless Sea, he would find her.

In Chong Xuan Sheng’s eyes, Jiang Wang saw this unwavering determination.

Therefore, he spoke no further words, simply grasping Chong Xuan Sheng’s arm and accelerating their flight back to Linzi.

Immediately thereafter, a cascade of commands, with the Chong family of Yaoguang Quarter and the Jiang family as their core, swept across the entire Great Qi Empire.

In Qingyang Town.

Dugu Xiao was cultivating in her quiet chamber when a look of joy suddenly appeared on her face.

Holding her breath and concentrating her spirit, her divine soul sank into the Tongtian Palace. Not long after, Jiang Wang manifested his form through the method of the divine seal.

Clad in a simple green robe, his bearing was extraordinary.

Dugu Xiao’s Small Heavenly Circuit image was Jiang Wang. After Jiang Wang imprinted her with a divine seal, helping her expand her growth potential, an extraordinary connection had been established.

The touch on the divine seal just now was Jiang Wang’s reminder.

After reaching the Divine Embodiment Realm, Jiang Wang’s influence over the “divine seal” far surpassed what it had been before. While still unable to sense Blood Puppet True Demon Song Wanxi, who had fallen into the Myriad Realms Desolate Tomb, within the borders of the State of Qi, he could now directly project power onto Dugu Xiao’s body. Manifesting an image in the Tongtian Palace was, of course, a simple matter.

Only out of consideration for Dugu Xiao’s feelings did he rarely do so.

This time, his urgent descent was also preceded by a reminder through the divine seal. It was akin to knocking before visiting.

“My Lord, what instructions do you have?” Dugu Xiao gazed at Jiang Wang without blinking.

After being enfeoffed as a Marquis, Jiang Wang was no longer the same as before. So many people needed to re-examine this young man and adjust their demeanor towards him.

But in Dugu Xiao’s heart, Lord Jiang had never changed.

Because her reverence was already beyond measure.

Jiang Wang dispensed with pleasantries and directly conjured Fourteen’s appearance as an image, instructing Dugu Xiao to remember it. “Mobilize all forces within the boundaries of Yangdi to conduct a dragnet search for this person. Upon encountering her, simply inform her that I am searching for her, that I will resolve any problems she may be concerned about, and that she need not depart. Additionally, deliver my personal order requesting the Prefects of Hengyang and Chiwei to assist in guarding the borders and searching for this person. I will remember this favor.”

Dugu Xiao’s administrative abilities had been honed. Hearing these words, she wasted not a single moment and immediately exited the Tongtian Palace to issue a series of directives, rapidly mobilizing the forces of Qingyang Town.

Qingyang Town was no longer what it had been in the beginning.

As the fief of Marquis Wu An, Jiang Wang, countless people were desperate to seek shelter there.

Of course, Qingyang Town did not easily recruit people. Even extraordinary cultivators had to have clear backgrounds and demonstrate a certain level of ability.

Someone like Zhang Hai, who had been coasting along, would be utterly incapable of rising to a high position in Qingyang Town now. It was only because of his veteran status that he could still peacefully hold his position without doing anything, day after day repeating his delusional quest for the great alchemy.

Naturally, if Jiang Wang’s order arrived, even if his pill was on the verge of completion in the next moment, he would immediately extinguish the flames and go out.

The extraordinary cultivators of Qingyang Town, along with the forces of Desheng Merchant House stationed there, were all mobilized at once. Dugu Xiao herself, holding the Qingyang Purple Seal, also hastened to Hengyang and Chiwei.

As a banner figure of Yangdi, Jiang Wang’s influence in this region seemed only now to be fully revealed to the public.

Throughout all of Yangdi, who would not willingly become the ears and eyes of Marquis Wu An?

The first major city in Linhai Prefecture was called Tianfu City.

The City Lord of Tianfu City, Lu Zongxiao, was a figure of greater importance than even the Prefect of Linhai Prefecture, especially since the Taixu Corner Tower was situated in Tianfu City.

On this day, a message arrived from Linzi, and the four gates of Tianfu City were flung open. The city guard army actually moved out in large formations, patrolling the four borders.

In the shortest possible time, all thirteen docks in Linhai Prefecture were brought under surveillance. And one by one, sailing records of ships leaving port were scrutinized, searching for a woman named “Fourteen.”

In Shimen Prefecture, the city gates stood imposing.

The generals of various city gates each held a painting, transmitted through the transmission array from Linzi.

With a single order from the Mansion of Marquis Cui Cheng, the entire Shimen Prefecture immediately went under martial law.

Of course, traffic was not banned, but in key border cities, a series of checkpoints were established, ensuring that the target person had no possibility of escape.

In the words of Li Longchuan – “Other things we dare not guarantee, but on the southern border of the State of Qi, even if a fly attempts to leave, the Li family can ensure it does not pass!”

In Zhu He Prefecture.

The Gate Master of Golden Needle Gate, Wu Qu Ji, suddenly summoned his disciples and ordered them to disperse to the city gates of various locations, searching everywhere for a woman named “Fourteen.”

Golden Needle Gate had been developing in Zhu He Prefecture for many years, practicing medicine with benevolence and earning the deep affection of the local people.

Although the betrayal of Wu Yi Yu had occurred, causing significant damage to their vitality, and Gate Master Wu Yi Yu was gravely injured thereafter, even abandoning the thought of the Divine Embodiment Realm and beginning the decline of his qi and blood, he had passed his position to his senior disciple, Wu Qu Ji.

Wu Qu Ji’s cultivation was not remarkable, barely managing to break open the Inner Mansion.

However, this person was said to have a connection with the newly promoted Marquis Wu An – Wu Yi Yu’s betrayal and escape were precisely because Marquis Wu An had pursued him overseas and personally slain him.

With this connection, coupled with Wu Yi Yu’s full support, Golden Needle Gate’s influence in Zhu He Prefecture had not diminished significantly.

Furthermore, the medical family was the cultivation school most capable of widespread connections. Once Golden Needle Gate’s actions were put into motion, almost half of the border cities in Zhu He Prefecture were brought under surveillance.

As for the other half of the border cities, they were the responsibility of Desheng Merchant House, which controlled nearly half of the medicinal herbs business in Zhu He Prefecture.

To the north was Cang Prefecture, whose Prefect was a disciple of Yan Ping.

To the south was Jiaodong Prefecture, whose Prefect was a member of the Yan clan.

As a direct descendant, he had always performed outstandingly. His unmarried wife was the daughter of Wen Yanyu, Grand Master of Chao Yi, a family with considerable power. Yan Fu’s position within the Yan clan was as stable as a mountain.

Upon receiving his letter in Linzi, these two border prefectures immediately tightened their defenses. Almost with the severity of pursuing a fugitive criminal, they rigorously screened the city gates, allowing no person of unclear identity to cross the border.

Coincidentally, several disguised fleeing criminals were indeed apprehended.

Xuansha Prefecture was the largest iron ore production area in the State of Qi.

And the South Yao Lian family held the largest share of iron ore purchases in Xuansha Prefecture. It could be said that the Lian family’s purchasing demands could, to a certain extent, influence the price of iron ore in Xuansha Prefecture. Hence, the Lian family’s relationships, both high and low, in this region were all very stable.

On this day, the border cities of Xuansha Prefecture were placed under martial law. Even sporadic export cargo carts, even those with transit documents, had to be opened and carefully inspected, ensuring that no one was hidden within.

Regardless of whether one wore a hood or a mask, regardless of one’s usual dressing habits or how free one typically was, at this moment, failing to show one’s face would certainly prevent one from crossing the border.

To find Fourteen in the shortest possible time, Jiang Wang and Chong Xuan Sheng erupted with energy, causing the entire city of Linzi to take notice!

Many people suddenly realized at this time that, unknowingly, these two young individuals already possessed such influence within the State of Qi.

The Great Qi Empire dominated the Eastern Domain, with a vast territory and a population in the billions.

Yet, they declared they would find a person, and they would find that person.

It was akin to searching for a needle in a haystack, to seeking a specific name within a vast sea of humanity.

A single order given, from south to north, from west to east, almost all routes leaving the borders of Qi were monitored. This level of determination, will, and energy, how could it fail to move people?

Change to a year ago, who could have imagined? The will of two young men in their twenties could now stir up great waves within this vast empire.

While the outside world was swept by wind and clouds, the two people who had instigated it all sat relatively still in the courtyard of the Jiang family in Yaoguang Quarter.

All connections had been utilized, even those on their green cards, requesting skilled tracking constables to search for Fourteen. Now, they could do nothing but wait here.

Waiting would only amplify the anxiety.

“Still no news?” Chong Xuan Sheng had no idea how many times he had asked this question.

After arranging everything – after confirming that he had done everything within his power – he forcibly suppressed his inner turmoil and immediately collapsed.

The man who could wait so patiently for opportunity on the battlefield, the man who could make decisions so calmly in the face of life-and-death crises, was now like an ant on a hot pan, his heart anxious with nowhere to release it.

“Still none. Your judgment cannot be wrong. Fourteen couldn’t possibly have left the border so quickly. Finding her is just a matter of time.”

Jiang Wang had repeated these words so many times he had lost count.

But he knew that Chong Xuan Sheng, at this moment, needed such repetition.

“Is there any place I might have overlooked?” Chong Xuan Sheng asked again.

Jiang Wang patiently replied, “Fourteen is not a rebel fleeing the country. She doesn’t need to choose dangerous escape routes. If she simply wants to leave the State of Qi quietly without affecting you, then all routes leaving the border are under our surveillance.”

Chong Xuan Sheng was silent for a moment, then said, “On the Yangdi side and the Zhu He Prefecture side, will their forces be insufficient? If Fourteen forcefully breaks through, they might not be able to stop her.”

“Firstly, after Fourteen knows your choice, she shouldn’t leave again. Secondly, even if she forcefully breaks through and leaves, as long as we know her whereabouts, I will immediately set out to chase. Believe me, she won’t be able to run too far. I am now a genuine third-rank green card constable,” Jiang Wang said in a warm voice, pouring him a cup of tea. “Drink some water. You are too anxious right now.”

Chong Xuan Sheng gulped down a cup of tea.

He calmed down slightly for a moment.

But then he murmured again, “Fourteen has never been to very far places. When she goes out, she always follows me. When I campaigned against Yang, she followed to the State of Yang. When I went out to sea, she followed out to sea. When I campaigned against Xia, she followed to the State of Xia. Why did I go to Jixia Academy?”

“Fourteen is very strong. Her sword technique, even I admire,” Jiang Wang emphasized. “She won’t be in danger.”

“She won’t be in danger,” Chong Xuan Sheng repeated, seemingly finding some comfort in the words, but then dejectedly asked, “Am I not very stupid?”

Jiang Wang looked at him sincerely. “If you are stupid, then there are no intelligent people in this world. You are simply too concerned right now, which leads to confusion.”

“No, I am very stupid.”

Chong Xuan Sheng shook his head. “The old master always prioritizes the family. I should have thought of it earlier. I was blinded by victory, and before I could explain anything, I was tied up by Chong Xuan Zun and dragged into the Academy…”

He suddenly stood up. “Chong Xuan Zun!”

In a sudden burst of anger, he exclaimed, “Chong Xuan Zun and the old master absolutely have a tacit understanding! They colluded to jointly drive Fourteen away!”

Jiang Wang also stood up, placed a hand on his shoulder, and gently pressed him back into his seat. He forced a smile and said, “Brother Sheng, such fluctuating emotions are not the mark of a wise man. Moreover, let’s not discuss whether Chong Xuan Zun truly has a tacit understanding with the old Marquis, nor what his purpose was. We have been in Jixia Academy for three months, yet Fourteen only left at dawn today, isn’t that so?”

Chong Xuan Sheng closed his eyes and let out a long, slow breath.

“I am so unaccustomed to this, so unaccustomed. Do you know that feeling?”

“It’s not pain, nor is it sadness. It’s just an emptiness, as if something here,” he pressed a hand to his chest, murmuring, “is missing a piece.”

Jiang Wang was silent for a while, then said, “Actually… if it were to be a concubine, I think Fourteen might also be willing. Title is sometimes not that important. Who is most important in your heart is only in your heart, isn’t it?”

Chong Xuan Sheng opened his eyes and looked at Jiang Wang. “Did my uncle find you? Asked you to be a persuader? This doesn’t sound like something you would say.”

At this moment, he seemed to have regained his composure, realizing that something about Jiang Wang also felt somewhat off.

Jiang Wang remained silent and sat down.

Indeed, while he was contacting Lu Zongxiao, Chong Xuan Chu Liang had found him and spoken with him about some things.

Certainly, he would unconditionally support Chong Xuan Sheng’s choice, and he himself greatly approved of this choice. But he would inevitably be influenced and would wonder if there might have been a better choice to make on Chong Xuan Sheng’s behalf.

Neither Chong Xuan Yunbo nor Chong Xuan Chu Liang had any malicious intent towards Chong Xuan Sheng. But a renowned family like the Chong family did indeed have its deep-rooted traditions. Ancient families possessed a wisdom passed down through many years of inheritance.

As Chong Xuan Chu Liang had said, flipping through the history books, how many rises and falls, successes and failures of famous families could not serve as a warning to later generations?

Chong Xuan Sheng sighed and finally said, “I am actually a person who doesn’t care too much whether others are wronged. To achieve a goal, the means are also not very important.”

“But in a lifetime, there are always one or two people whom you feel must absolutely not be wronged.”

“For me, my uncle counts as half, and you count as half.”

He said to Jiang Wang with great seriousness, “Fourteen is the whole.”

Thank you.