Ye Shikai whispered a place name in Xue San’s ear. Last time at the teahouse, Hua Liandie told him, if there’s an urgent matter, go there. Ye Shikai is about to leave He Nei County, which is quite a big deal; if he doesn’t notify Hua Liandie, she’ll surely chatter on when they meet next time. So he had Xue San take people to notify her.

"Alright, I’ll go right away."

Ye Shikai led the cavalry, traveling six hundred miles by day and three hundred miles by night, and returned to Heyang County in just two or three days.

"Eh, Old Ye, why are you all back already." When Ye Shikai returned to Heyang County leading the army, Shangguan Jian hadn’t even received the courier’s message at the post house, yet the cavalry had arrived first.

"We received orders for relocation." Ye Shikai handed the paperwork from the bag to Shangguan Jian. Meng Tian also wanted to promote Ye Shikai more, to eventually bring him to the court as a right-hand man. There are many uprising forces above East County now; though the total number is considerable, their scale is not large. Calling them uprising forces, they’re more like a scattered gang of robbers; if they come across Ye Shikai’s cavalry, they would surely collapse at the first touch.

"What, going to East County, when was this from?" Shangguan Jian asked.

"Just received, within ten days we need to report to the Commander Mansion in East County. Shangguan, you’re coming with me." Ye Shikai explained.

"So sudden."

"Yes, we’re taking the cavalry forward; the remaining three thousand brothers will be under General Li Ji’s command. Prepare a bit and coordinate the handover with him."

"Okay, I understand." Shangguan Jian nodded in response, but he felt everything was too sudden, very unexpected.

"Let the local lads visit their parents these days." Ye Shikai commanded; this time going to East County, he doesn’t know when he will return, so he must also bid farewell to He Linghan, intending to rest well in the few days available.

"Alright, I’ll arrange that immediately, and give them some stipend too."

Shangshui Village.

Ye Shikai returned to the village secretly without bringing any guards.

"Eh, General Ye, weren’t you leading the troops to Huai County? Why are you back again?" On the way, Ye Shikai encountered several old villagers. Shangshui Village is a small village, with just a handful of people. With Ye Shikai being an "General Yi," naturally, the news spread quickly throughout the village; now every villager knows him well.

"I just received military orders; I’ll soon be transferred to East County, working at the Commander Mansion." Ye Shikai got off the horse to explain.

"Commander Mansion, that’s great, congratulations."

"You’re too kind, seniors." After chatting with them a bit, Ye Shikai continued to He Linghan’s home, where she was sewing clothes in the courtyard. It wasn’t until Ye Shikai’s warhorse neighed that she lifted her head.

"You... why are you back so soon? Grandfather said you left for Huai County only days ago." He Linghan was stunned, even forgetting to invite Ye Shikai inside.

"There’s a new assignment, so I brought the troops back." Ye Shikai chuckled bitterly.

"Oh, oh, please come in quickly, sir."

The two entered the room, He Linghan poured Ye Shikai a cup of hot tea.

"Actually, I received new orders; in a few days... I will leave, specially to bid farewell." Ye Shikai stood up, cupped his hands, and said.

"Farewell, where are you going, sir?" He Linghan panicked hearing this, accidentally dropping the tea cup on the ground, showing clearly her reluctance for Ye Shikai’s departure.

"To East County, this trip to Huai County was because of this transfer order; we must be in East County within ten days."

"What, leaving so hurriedly." He Linghan showed a worried expression, grasping his wrist tightly, unwilling to let go.

"Yes, I’ll be leaving in a few days." Ye Shikai nodded, He Linghan bit her lip gently, as if having something unspeakable.

"Sir, will you come back?"

"Of course, just maybe... it will be a long time." Ye Shikai would love to take He Linghan with him, but the He Family has lived here for generations; moving would be too cumbersome. Besides, Master He surely wouldn’t want to leave his homeland, nor did Ye Shikai wish for them to leave.

"Since sir is leaving, please take care." He Linghan slowly turned around, her voice carrying a tearful tone. Ye Shikai wanted to pull her in for comfort, but hesitated, placing his hand on her shoulder instead.

"Alright, you’ve barely returned, mustn’t have eaten yet. I’ll go to the kitchen." He Linghan discreetly wiped tears from her eyes, forcing a smile, and went directly to the kitchen before Ye Shikai could speak; not wanting him to see her sadness.

.........

Modern, Yanjing Airport.

From a large jet, dozens of people gradually deplaned. Although not dressed particularly "alternative," the aura they exuded caught many passersby’s attention.

"Why are we so conspicuous?" Soul Destroyer asked curiously, "Do people in Yanjing love to stare so much?"

"The killing intent you exude can be sensed from ten meters away, didn’t you feel it?" Nightmare replied coldly.

"Your killing intent isn’t minor compared to mine."

"Enough, converse less." Ghost signaled everyone to disperse; Kunlun Mountain’s relics are about to open, and apart from Huaxia’s cultivation families, many foreign cultivators have arrived. This influx will definitely draw the attention of the National Security Bureau; Ye Shikai’s absence, being the "Think Tank" of Netherworld Palace, made Ghost naturally unwilling for any conflicts with the Bureau in Yanjing.

At this time, a group of people dressed in white approached them slowly; among them, the elder leading wasn’t unfamiliar. Chen Ligong, the trusted confidant of Ji Tao and Ji Qian, commanded the Ji Family’s White Mist Army. Ji Qian dispatched him personally to greet the Netherworld Palace group, showing the importance.

"Are you Mr. Gu Li?" The elder leading the white-clad group asked, greeting Ghost with familiarity; using his new name more naturally in Yanjing.

"Yes, Elder Chen, we meet again." Ghost was already very used to this new name, feeling it more natural in Yanjing.

"Miss Ji asked me to welcome you all. It’s been a long journey, your cars are ready, please."

"Thank you." Ghost waved, letting everyone follow along; the Ji Family’s cars waited outside.

"Miss Ji didn’t come in person?"

"Miss Ji is very busy and couldn’t make it; apologies."