"Commander Ma, the mountain forest occupied by the rebel army is an excellent natural stronghold. They can advance to harass our army’s supplies or retreat into the forest, thriving like fish in water. I suggest sending some soldiers there to build a stronghold and garrison, which will prevent further rebel groups from occupying the mountain and declaring themselves kings."

"Brother Ye, let’s not talk about these official matters at the dinner table. Come, come, let me pour you a drink myself." Ma Yao personally stepped down from his seat, swaggering as he poured Ye Shikai a cup of wine. The surrounding group of generals drank heartily, celebrating as if it were the New Year. Only Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian found this distasteful. They had only suppressed one of the rebel groups; there were still many active rebel forces in East County. Yet here they were, partying, no wonder the rebels were so rampant. These people were indeed useless.

"Thank you, sir." Ye Shikai, although annoyed, drank the wine since this was a victory feast. He didn’t want to spoil the mood after all... Ma Yao was his superior, and no one would foolishly publicly confront their boss. Doing so would make Ma Yao think he was arrogant due to his military merits, and would certainly target him in the future. Ye Shikai didn’t want to cause trouble for himself or for his brothers; he had to "endure" this superior.

"That’s better, fight well in the war, and rewards will surely follow." Ma Yao, having drunk quite a bit, said while vigorously patting his shoulder.

"Generals, General Ye has won a great victory and made significant contributions to the Commander Mansion, let’s all toast in celebration."

"Haha, congratulations, General Ye."

"General Ye has defeated the rebels; his future is unlimited." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"Thank you, Generals." Ye Shikai lifted his cup, drank it in one go, then turned to Ma Yao and said, "Commander, I am not strong with alcohol, feeling unwell, I shall take my leave."

"Alright then, I won’t force you to stay. You must be exhausted from coming out of the mountains. Rest well after you return, and I will personally visit you."

"Thank you, Commander," Ye Shikai said lightly, he left the Commander Mansion with Shangguan Jian.

At the entrance of the Commander Mansion.

"Old Ye, these generals are just waiting to die. Look at them; what else can they do besides eat and drink? I bet they’d collapse right away if they entered the battlefield," Shangguan Jian couldn’t help but complain.

"What do you expect? If they had even a little skill, would the rebels be so rampant? Anyway, we still want the rewards. My brothers have been fighting in the open air, risking their lives; these are what they deserve." Ye Shikai waved the horsewhip; neither wanted to stay in the county anymore and decided to return to camp.

The crowd passed through the market; many civilians stepped aside upon seeing them, Ye Shikai glanced at a nearby tea stall, suddenly perking up.

"Shangguan, I encountered an acquaintance. Take the troops back first; I’ll return after handling this." Ye Shikai stopped the horse to explain.

"Well... alright, stay safe." After Shangguan Jian and others left, Ye Shikai dismounted, tethered his horse, and headed straight for the tea stall.

"Sir, oh, sir, please come in." Seeing Ye Shikai, the shopkeeper immediately welcomed him, and he came to sit beside a man.

"Mr. Xu, long time no see, I humbly greet you." Ye Shikai respectfully saluted, seated in front of Xu Fu, whom previously Hua Liandie had found.

He was still dressed in a white gown, appearing like a high-ranking hermit.

"So it’s Mr. Ye; you came at the right time. The tea is at its best season. Come and taste it." Xu Fu waved his sleeve, and suddenly the empty teacup on the table was filled with tea water, emitting a rich aroma.

"Thank you, sir," Ye Shikai picked up the cup, sipped lightly, and said, "Indeed, it’s good tea."

"I heard you won the battle with the rebels, congratulations," Xu Fu smiled faintly, "You didn’t come to me just for a cup of tea, did you?"

"Master, actually I came this time for the previous matter; last time you mentioned the Life Chart..."

"Sir, I’ve already said everything last time, I can’t reveal anything else; forgive me." Before Ye Shikai finished speaking, Xu Fu interrupted him. Indeed, heavenly secrets cannot be revealed, leaving Ye Shikai with a bitter smile. Perhaps high-ranking people always speak like this, leaving others hanging, so he was here to try his luck...

"Alright then, since you’re unwilling to disclose, I won’t ask further." Ye Shikai nodded, then changed his tone, "Master, where are you heading next?"

"To be honest with you, I’ve been ordered by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to cross to Penglai. I won’t be returning for some time; please take care, sir."

"You take care too, sir."

Watching Xu Fu’s fading figure triggered many emotions in Ye Shikai’s heart. He led people to cross to Penglai searching for an immortality elixir for Emperor Qin Shi Huang, naturally also implying that Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s days were numbered. Ye Shikai transformed into this history, unable to change anything, merely a "spectator." Though now a general in the Qin Dynasty, who knows how long he can sustain his position?

..................

Modern times, Tianya Group.

"What, he’s missing."

"President Su, Miss Ji specifically asked me to keep this matter confidential, now that you know, please don’t say I leaked it." Ailina looked aggrieved, having finally confessed under the alternating "interrogation" from Su Qingyu and An Lan. As the once-famous tomboy from Netherworld Palace, Ailina undoubtedly wasn’t afraid of the two women. However, she knew Ye Shikai’s status in Su Qingyu’s heart. In such a major disappearance incident, if they intentionally hid it from her, Su Qingyu would find out sooner rather than later.

"Ailina, I don’t blame you, but I want to know what’s going on, why did he suddenly disappear?" Su Qingyu continued to question.

"President Su, do you remember the Holy Mountain?"

"Of course, I’ve been there before." Hearing this place mentioned, Su Qingyu immediately became "alert"; she hadn’t just visited, she nearly died there...

"The master disappeared at the Holy Mountain, now... there’s still no news."

"What about Chen Yuxin, why hasn’t she made a statement about this? I even saw her at a banquet two days ago." Su Qingyu said excitedly.

"Well... President Su... I don’t know either."

"No, I need to ask her," Su Qingyu said and walked straight out, Ailina hurriedly followed to stop her.