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The biggest lesson is what?
Is it failure even after trying your utmost?
Is it the pain endured by the body?
Is it the humiliation of having one’s dignity trampled upon?

Zhongshan Yanwen’s answer is “paying the price.”

When Zhongshan Weisun kneels in the military camp, his heart is bleeding! He can’t believe this is the successor he personally groomed, someone so lacking in perspective and understanding of the overall situation. So impulsive, reckless, and self-centered.

But this is the choice Zhongshan Weisun has already made.

The grandson kneels to beg his grandfather; the grandfather must do it. No matter how difficult this matter is.

He wants to keep raising the stakes, keep adding to them until Yingyang Fu can barely bear it, until Zhongshan Weisun questions life, questions whether he is truly worth it!

Only in this way can Zhongshan Weisun receive the true lesson.

Let Zhongshan Weisun understand how heavy his knee is, what his kneeling truly signifies.

Let Zhongshan Weisun clearly recognize whether he truly has the ability to bear the consequences of the choice he made!

Everything in this process is the price of growth.

The long night is silent.

With disheveled hair, Zhongshan Weisun stands alone in the open ground of the military camp. He dryly lifts his head, looking up at the people suspended in the air. His face, washed by tears and mud, wears a very complex expression at this moment.

Among the princes and grandsons of the Jing Kingdom he often associated with, not many were truly heartfelt. The first day he met Jia Fugui and Shangguan in the Taixu Illusion, he felt they were very interesting. After several years of getting along, they were already considered lifelong confidants.

Some are like new friends after a lifetime, others are like old friends from the first meeting. But for the monarch, distance does not diminish the relationship.

Zhongshan Yanwen personally came to the Chu Kingdom to help him protect his friends. This was originally what he sought, the reason for his initial kneeling and begging.

But what he imagined was not like this.

It wasn’t Zhongshan Yanwen stepping onto the path of divination first, it wasn’t Zhongshan Yanwen bowing his head in the Chu Kingdom, it wasn’t making his most respected grandfather pay such a high price!

But he had never thought clearly, and today he still had to understand — how much face could the Yingyang Guard Great General of the Jing Kingdom have in the Chu Kingdom? How much would it cost to remove someone from the Chu Kingdom’s kill list!

But did he never think clearly? Or did he fundamentally not dare to think deeply, just his blood boiling, wanting to die or live to save his friends?

Zhongshan Weisun, do you think that one letter from Yingyang Fu, one name of Zhongshan Yanwen, can protect Long Boji from the Chu Kingdom’s hands?

This is not the Northern Domain, and the Chu Kingdom is not one of the Northwestern Five Countries.

You will eventually know the price of your rash decision.

In the cold wind of this night, Zhongshan Weisun received the most unforgettable lesson of his life.

Wu Zhaochang looks at Zhongshan Yanwen, who traveled thousands of *li* south to teach his grandson, and is also momentarily bewildered.

Everyone has been young, everyone needs experiences to grow, but the price of growth is not something everyone can bear. Not everyone has the opportunity to learn lessons, get up, and move forward again.

“Parents love their children, so they plan deeply for them. I am also a parent, a grandfather, I can understand your feelings.”

He, under the *An Guo* battle armor bestowed by the Emperor, covers his lonely emotions: “When your third son, your last son, died on the battlefield, you drank strong wine, took a spear north, and walked alone deep into the border wilderness. Everyone thought you would die there. But you came back alive and established the Border Wilderness Eight Thousand *Li* Stele, which is still the limit of military merit for true people.”

“Although I haven’t publicly mentioned it, I approve of you in my heart.”

“Now you, Zhongshan Yanwen, have ascended to the absolute peak, and your favor is substantial enough.”

He lifts his eyes: “But I cannot promise you. One Long Boji is indeed not much, even if he holds a grudge for life and stirs up trouble, it won’t matter. But no force can save people under the Chu Kingdom’s executioner’s knife. This point is very important.”

Zhongshan Yanwen fully understands this kind of expression.

The Chu Kingdom vows to exterminate the South Dipper. If you, the Jing Kingdom, come to protect people and want to protect whoever you please, does that mean the Jing Kingdom is greater than the Chu Kingdom?

He knows Zhongshan Weisun also understands. He didn’t look at his own direct grandson but observed everything about this worrying child.

Looking at Zhongshan Weisun’s trembling lips, his eyes flustered, almost wanting to open his mouth and say “forget it!” But he didn’t say it.

Zhongshan Yanwen decides to continue raising the stakes.

But just at this moment, a voice suddenly comes from the distant sky—

“*An Guo* Duke! Of course, no force can save people under the Chu Kingdom’s executioner’s knife, but a mere Shenlin Realm’s Long Boji is not necessarily going to be executed immediately.”

Along with the voice, a tall old man suddenly arrived. A kind smile was on his face: “Why not imprison him and wait until next autumn?”

Wu Zhaochang looked over faintly: “It turns out I am ignorant and inexperienced! What kind of person is this Long Boji to alarm even Tianshi Song?”

The one who arrived at this moment is precisely Jing Kingdom’s East Tianshi Song Huai.

A figure even more weighty than Zhongshan Yanwen!

He didn’t conceal his intention and expressed it very clearly — the Chu Kingdom handles its own affairs. If a sect should be exterminated, it should be exterminated; if people should be killed, they should be killed. All great sect masters and South Dipper Six True can be slaughtered. However, disciples like Long Boji can be greatly imprisoned and left for later disposal.

In this way, no one can say the Chu Kingdom is avoiding the knife for others.

Wait until next autumn day, or some other time, when the influence of this matter fades, he and Zhongshan Yanwen will add some more conditions and take Long Boji out of prison. This calms the waves, takes into account all sides, and is indeed a proper strategy.

The only thing to worry about is… how can Long Boji, this inconspicuous true transmission disciple of a great sect, a Shenlin Realm cultivator, stir up such wind and clouds in the world and create such intense ripples in the Bitter Sea?

His friendship with Zhongshan Weisun moved the Yingyang Guard Great General of the Northern Hegemon Kingdom; why did the East Tianshi of the Central Great Jing also come?

Song Huai glanced at Zhongshan Yanwen, shaking his head with sympathy for a shared plight: “We are all this age, people who are elders, what else is there to worry about?”

He said to Wu Zhaochang: “My useless disciple is still sitting in jail in Taixu Pavilion. With all esteemed persons present, I, Song, will not speak in riddles. I originally planned to wait for him to come out and use a position as a Great Jing Chief Censor to compensate for his lost time. But this boy sought the understanding of the members of Taixu Pavilion a few days ago and sent me a letter. The letter says, ‘If relatives and friends are all safe, a long imprisonment is like drinking sweet wine. If heaven and man are separated, I will not avoid mourning alone.’ It says that during this five-year imprisonment period, he doesn’t want any other compensation, only the safety of a friend — you say, when a disciple speaks to this extent, can a master ignore it?”

Before entering Taixu Pavilion to sit in jail, Chen Suan’s official position was the Jing Kingdom’s Censorate Left Vice Chief Censor, belonging to the third most important figure in the Censorate. Above this, there are only the positions of Right Chief Censor and Left Chief Censor. Each step is a fundamental leap and extremely difficult.

Especially in an ancient empire like the Jing Kingdom, which has a long history and intertwined forces, every position has countless eyes on it. One has to wait for seniority for who knows how many years and endure.

Among them, the Left Chief Censor is also separately called “Chief Censor.”

Holding this position allows one to control the Censorate, legitimately monitor hundreds of officials, and is a first-class position of power in the Jing Kingdom. In rank, it can stand shoulder to shoulder with a True Monarch.

Inside the Jing Kingdom, the authority is described as follows: The Mirror World Platform observes the world, the Central Heavenly Prison punishes the world, and the Censorate monitors hundreds of officials, also including the Mirror World Platform and the Central Heavenly Prison.

The compensation the East Tianshi prepared for his disciple cannot be said to be anything but abundant.

And Chen Suan actually used this as a stake to exchange for his friend.

Only now did Jiang Wang suddenly understand what kind of opportunity Chen Suan was seeking by repeatedly attempting suicide in Taixu Pavilion, and for whom that family letter was written. Only then did he know that Chen Suan was also friends with Long Boji of South Dipper Hall.

He himself had only met Long Boji once at the Dragon Palace Banquet, did not understand that person, and had no impression. At this moment, he felt a sense of curiosity — he really wanted to know what was extraordinary about Long Boji that he could have such friends willing to pay such a price for him.

Wu Zhaochang slowly said: “I presume your disciple’s friend is also named Long Boji.”

Song Huai sighed: “Unfortunately, it is indeed this name.”

Zhongshan Yanwen lifted his hand to pull Zhongshan Weisun into the air, treating his injuries in the process: “Are you three friends?”

Zhongshan Weisun nodded forcefully: “Yes!”

Only at this point did he know who Jia Fugui in the Taixu Illusion was.

He also understood why Jia Fugui suddenly lost contact and why so many flying crane messages went unanswered. Why the good Hongmong Three Swordsmen were reduced to just him wandering alone in Hongmong Space.

Indeed, the human world is full of trials and tribulations, each person having their own difficulties and challenges.

In the past in Hongmong Space, they talked about their respective lives, but everything seemed smooth sailing and endlessly happy.

But after knowing that Jia Fugui was also trying to save Shangguan, he suddenly didn’t feel so lonely.

He admitted that he had acted very stupidly this time, but aren’t true friends just people who do stupid things with you? So in this world where everyone is very smart, it’s not so hard to face.

Wu Zhaochang looked at Song Huai again, then looked at Zhongshan Yanwen: “Since General Zhongshan and Tianshi Song both speak, it is reasonable for me to give face. But to reiterate, since both General Zhongshan and Tianshi Song have spoken, do I need to re-evaluate the importance of this person Long Boji?”

Song Huai’s sigh was for this!

Since he promised his disciple, it is absolutely impossible to protect Long Boji from being brutally slaughtered by the Chu Kingdom. Especially since Chen Suan showed determination in Taixu Pavilion, the Chu Kingdom must already know through Dou Zhao.

If it were a young person like Qu Shunhua, persuading with emotion and reason might work.

Wu Zhaochang is not a good or faithful person.

“We are all getting older and softer-hearted, being manipulated by juniors.” Song Huai said faintly: “But General Zhongshan and I are not quite the same. He is anxious about his grandson, while I am accustomed to coldness on Penglai Island. It’s best if my disciple doesn’t resent me, but if he must, I can also accept it.”

Thus, he drew a line — he accepts the slaughter, but the knife cannot be too ruthless; there must be a limit. Otherwise, he would rather his disciple resent him.

Wu Zhaochang decisively opened his mouth: “I see that Chen Suan’s affection for Long Boji is no less than Zhongshan Weisun’s.”

Song Huai leisurely said: “But my protection for my disciple may not match General Zhongshan’s for his direct grandson. Moreover, my Chen Suan has not committed a crime in your hands.”

He still looked at Jiang Wang with a half-smile.

Jiang Wang was seriously observing the stars.

And Zhongshan Yanwen was silent for a moment.

Wu Zhaochang waved his hand: “We men don’t argue over trivial matters! Since the East Tianshi speaks clearly, I won’t talk about other things. The price is offset by the materials for Shenlin; you figure out the delivery. Furthermore, if the Chu Kingdom has needs in the future, you also have to help me protect one person in the Jing Kingdom.”

Song Huai was also very straightforward: “Limited to Shenlin. Cannot be a serious crime of treason.”

“Then it’s settled!” Wu Zhaochang confirmed the conditions on the spot and said: “We have waited for South Dipper Hall for many days, just for the friendships of two young people. It seems our skills are exhausted! Since that’s the case, it’s better to choose a day than wait. We’ve surrounded the mountain for many days; we’ll attack the mountain for a while. It’s convenient to cover South Dipper tonight and invite the world to appreciate!”

While decisively dispatching the army, he said: “Since the two True Monarchs have come to the Southern Domain, why not watch from the sidelines and see the might of my Chu army!”

Qu Shunhua immediately turned back into the camp to organize the army for battle. Xiang Bei in the distance also immediately acted. The main camp where the Evil Face Army was located also rose up with the order of the *An Guo* Duke.

One by one, bright lamps flew up to the high sky, and well-trained Chu army soldiers quickly donned their armor and assembled.

The Chu army camp outside Du E Peak, like a giant dragon awakening, roared through the long night, instantly having the momentum to surround the mountain.

They were actually launching the general attack tonight!

Jiang Wang was about to leave when Wu Zhaochang looked over: “Why doesn’t Advisor Jiang watch? It also represents Taixu Pavilion recording the destruction of South Dipper Hall.”

Jiang Wang thought for a moment, pressed his sword, and said: “Since the Duke has given the word, I dare not refuse. I will tentatively leave a pair of eyes here, but I hope there will be no disturbance.”

“Grandpa Wu!” Zuo Guangshu then looked eagerly at Wu Zhaochang, and then eagerly towards Qu Shunhua who was organizing the army, using his eyes to convey a plea.

Wu Zhaochang laughed dryly and waved his hand: “Go!”

“This humble general receives the order!” Zuo Guangshu performed a military salute, his armor instantly steaming with energy, and he flew quickly towards Qu Shunhua — “General Qu! This general is ordered by the *An Guo* Duke to come and support. I am willing to be your vanguard!”

Under the cover of night, Qu Shunhua’s serious voice could be heard: “I’ll give you the vanguard camp. Don’t lose the prestige of the three armies!”

Zuo Guangshu stepped on a water-colored dragon, flying in the night sky, and loudly received the order: “With me in this battle, there is no retreat!”

The morale of the army was greatly boosted, and the sounds of killing echoed for a while.

Here in the air, Zhongshan Yanwen glanced at the anxious Zhongshan Weisun and finally said to Wu Zhaochang: “The Chu army attacks the temple, knives and swords have no eyes. It’s inconvenient for us to act, and it’s impossible for the Duke to require soldiers in battle to lower their knives and deliberately spare Long Boji’s life — do you think it’s possible for us to first arrest the criminal Long Boji and then attack the mountain and break the sect?”

Wu Zhaochang’s expression was hidden under the evil ghost mask. He just laughed: “That will depend on whether South Dipper Hall gives General Zhongshan this face.”

“But I hope they don’t make things difficult for me!” After getting the agreement, Zhongshan Yanwen lifted his hand and pointed. The words they had just spoken turned into a dark letter arrow, instantly speeding up to Du E Peak and entering the South Dipper secret realm.

All of this was witnessed by Wu Zhaochang, ensuring that Zhongshan Yanwen had no other communication with South Dipper Hall besides proposing the request to take away Long Boji —

And this was almost not considered a problem.

Everyone knows that the destruction of South Dipper Hall has become a foregone conclusion.

In this situation, Zhongshan Yanwen and Song Huai wanting to save a true transmission disciple of South Dipper Hall can, in some sense, be seen as preserving a spark for South Dipper Hall. How could South Dipper Hall be unwilling?

From beginning to end, the matter of saving Long Boji was unrelated to Long Boji himself, unrelated to South Dipper Hall. The only problem lay in the Chu Kingdom’s attitude. And at this moment, the person representing the Chu Kingdom’s attitude is precisely the commander of the subjugation of South Dipper, *An Guo* Duke Wu Zhaochang!

The Yingyang Guard Great General of the Jing Kingdom and the East Tianshi of the Jing Kingdom had already shown enough sincerity and convinced Wu Zhaochang to raise the executioner’s knife an inch. Things had reached this point and should have a less than perfect, but inevitably profound, and also somewhat successful outcome.

But the fact is, the letter arrow personally sent by Zhongshan Yanwen, the appeal to the South Dipper secret realm, still took a long time to receive a response.

They waited until the Chu army had completely organized, formed its battle formation, and formally began climbing the mountain. Only then did South Dipper Hall give this belated response—

Long Boji was already dead.

A true transmission disciple of Tian Tong Hall, a person whose name was not remembered, carrying a roll of straw mat, lightly brought the corpse out.

He flew over the climbing army, not freely flying outside Du E Peak, but flying in front of everyone. He greedily breathed the outside air, looking strangely at everyone under the gaze of many strong individuals.

“You… all came to save Senior Brother Long?”

“He really has face! So many people are willing to run for him!”

His eyes seemed envious and sad: “It’s a pity you came late. He is already dead.”

“Long Boji died?” Zhongshan Weisun stepped forward in disbelief, looking at the roll of straw mat in his hand: “How did he die?”

Of course, he didn’t dare to believe it, but there was indeed a corpse.

Of course, he was unwilling to admit it, but the thin sheet of straw mat fundamentally could not block his eyes. He recognized Long Boji—

Long Boji was already dead!

He had rushed thousands of *li* from the Northern Domain to the Southern Domain, paid such a heavy price, done so many stupid things, and in the end only saved a dead person?!

Thanks to book friend “Random Notes Hui Mo” for becoming the Alliance Master of this book! This is for the 714th Alliance of Red Heart Patrolling Heaven!

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