In the inner hall, Xiao Yunlong and the King of the Eastern Region chatted for a long time, only emerging at dusk.
The four guardian elders had not entered, merely guarding the courtyard, and only rose to greet them when they saw the door open.
It was then that Xiao Yunlong learned that the reason the King of the Eastern Region had been controlled by Wang Kezheng back then was entirely due to a mishap during one of his cultivation retreats, where he had nearly fallen into a demonic trance.
To prevent chaos in the Eastern Region camp, the King of the Eastern Region had not publicized the matter, only informing Wang Kezheng. It was precisely this that gave Wang Kezheng an opportunity to strike while pretending to heal the King of the Eastern Region.
Of course, as the king of the Eastern Region, he would not be without skilled guards. The primary reason Wang Kezheng succeeded so easily was that he had the Yin Ming Sect behind him.
As for why Wang Kezheng could obtain the support of the Western Region's Yin Ming Sect, the King of the Eastern Region knew little. Xiao Yunlong did not press further, only thinking that when the time was right, he would definitely visit the Western Region sects!
Upon learning that the Old Northern King had passed away, the King of the Eastern Region was filled with emotion.
Especially after knowing about the ambush Xiao Yunlong had encountered in the capital ten months prior, the King of the Eastern Region became furious.
"Truly outrageous! They even dared to ambush the dignified Town North King! Those scoundrels in the capital are far too bold!"
Xiao Yunlong merely smiled at this. As time passed, or rather, as his own cultivation and perspective broadened, he had let go of many things. Of course, he would not forget the revenge for that ambush!
Leaving the inner courtyard study, Xiao Yunlong and the King of the Eastern Region, along with others, proceeded to the royal dining hall.
Under the arrangements of Li Guangfa and others, a grand banquet had long been prepared.
Upon learning that the former King of the Eastern Region was an imposter and the true King of the Eastern Region had safely returned, especially knowing that the mastermind behind the conspiracy, Wang Kezheng, had been apprehended, the entire Eastern Region camp erupted in joyous celebration.
In fact, for an entire afternoon, the entire Eastern Region camp was adorned with lanterns and streamers in celebration. This clearly showed how unpopular Wang Kezheng had been during the more than two years he had controlled the Eastern Region camp under a false pretense.
During the banquet, although the King of the Eastern Region was dressed simply, he exuded an innate majesty of a superior.
At the beginning, the King of the Eastern Region personally stood up to toast Xiao Yunlong, expressing his sincere gratitude. Following him were the four guardian elders, then Li Guangfa, Mao Guozhi, and others. Xiao Yunlong accepted every toast, and the atmosphere of the banquet was harmonious and lively.
After several rounds of drinks, the King of the Eastern Region asked, "Nephew, what are your plans now? If you don't intend to return to the Northern Territory, why not stay in the Eastern Region? As you know, my health is declining day by day, and I don't have many years left. This vast Eastern Region must eventually be managed by someone trustworthy and capable!"
The Old Eastern King's words were quite clear; he wanted to hand over the entire Eastern Region to Xiao Yunlong.
Mao Guozhi, Li Guangfa, and other Eastern Region generals sitting below pricked up their ears and listened attentively, as their conversation would directly determine the future direction of the entire Eastern Region camp.
Xiao Yunlong shook his head and smiled, saying, "Uncle Dong, you know me. You know I'm not someone who gives up easily!"
"So, you still intend to return to the Northern Territory?" the King of the Eastern Region asked.
"Not only will I return to the Northern Territory, but one day, I will descend upon the capital and take charge of the Tian Ce Mansion!" Xiao Yunlong declared, word by word.
The King of the Eastern Region raised his eyebrows and said, "But you must know, this is likely very difficult, truly very, very difficult!"
"I know it's not easy, but when have I ever been afraid? And I am confident that I will succeed!" Xiao Yunlong smiled.
The King of the Eastern Region stared at Xiao Yunlong in a daze for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter, "Good! A true man should venture forth. If that's the case, then Uncle won't keep you. I wish you success. Let's drink!"
Saying this, they both raised their wine glasses and drained them in one gulp.
Perhaps it was because the matters of the Eastern Region camp were largely resolved, and coupled with the rare reunion with his old friend, the Old Eastern King, Xiao Yunlong drank a lot that night. The grand gathering only concluded in the middle of the night.
"Uncle Dong, now that things are settled, I plan to leave tomorrow!" Xiao Yunlong said as he stood up.
The King of the Eastern Region exclaimed, "Leaving tomorrow? Are you planning to return directly to the Northern Territory?"
"No, not for now. I plan to go to the Southern Border first!" Xiao Yunlong stated truthfully.
The King of the Eastern Region was one of the few who knew Xiao Yunlong's background. Upon hearing the words "Southern Border," he immediately understood.
He nodded slightly and said, "Since that's the case, I won't keep you any longer. You don't have many capable people by your side now. How about this: you can pick anyone you fancy from my Eastern Region camp. Or, for those present who are willing to follow the Town North King, step forward now!"
The King of the Eastern Region's latter words were directed at all the Eastern Region generals in the hall below.
In fact, the King of the Eastern Region knew that Xiao Yunlong's return to the Northern Territory or his descent upon the capital would inevitably be fraught with difficulties and even dangers. Therefore, as an elder, the most he could do now was to send him more people.
As soon as the King of the Eastern Region finished speaking, the entire hall became agitated, with many people whispering to each other.
Mao Guozhi and Li Guangfa turned to look at each other almost simultaneously, but neither of them moved.
This was not difficult to understand. Both Mao Guozhi and Li Guangfa were currently the two highest-ranking commanders in the Eastern Region camp. With Wang Kezheng's downfall, the position of Chief Commander would inevitably be vacant. Moreover, the King of the Eastern Region was now old, and they might have opportunities for advancement in the future.
Although Xiao Yunlong's personal combat strength was formidable, and his methods of leading troops and strategizing were also impressive, his current status was awkward, and there might be future dangers.
Therefore, Mao Guozhi and Li Guangfa did not move, and even Zhuge Ya Bie remained indifferent, despite his nephew Zhuge Wushuang constantly signaling him.
On the contrary, Pan Chaofeng looked left and right, then suddenly stepped forward and knelt on one knee before the King of the Eastern Region, proclaiming loudly, "Your Highness, King of the Eastern Region, if the Northern King does not mind, this subordinate is willing to follow him. Of course, this is not because this subordinate is betraying the Eastern King. This subordinate is thinking of experiencing the world and tempering himself while young. More importantly, the Northern King's martial arts are sufficiently strong, and I wish to learn from him!"
"Of course, I have no problem with that, but it still depends on the Northern King's wishes!" the King of the Eastern Region replied.
"If that's the case, you shall follow me from now on!" Xiao Yunlong said.
Pan Chaofeng was immediately overjoyed and quickly cupped his fists, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness the Northern King, for not despising me. This subordinate will henceforth follow you wholeheartedly and serve you diligently!"
Xiao Yunlong nodded slightly in response.
In fact, among all the generals in the Eastern Region camp, Xiao Yunlong admired Pan Chaofeng the most. Firstly, he was still relatively young, and secondly, he possessed sufficient courage and boldness. Most importantly, the young man's martial arts talent was quite good.
As for Li Guangfa, Mao Guozhi, and Zhuge Ya Bie, these individuals were likely older and had lost some of their sharpness. Furthermore, they already held respectable positions in the Eastern Region camp. If they were to follow, Xiao Yunlong would find it difficult to arrange for them.
Of course, none of those present knew what a correct choice Pan Chaofeng had made today. It was precisely this choice, which seemed insignificant to those around him, that directly changed his life, allowing him to reach heights that most people in this world could not achieve in a lifetime.
And in the future, Li Guangfa, Mao Guozhi, and others would undoubtedly lament their inaction today.
However, these were matters for later. After the banquet ended, Xiao Yunlong, along with his subordinates Zhuge Wushuang, Tu Fu, and others, and of course, Pan Chaofeng, left the King of the Eastern Region's mansion.
The King of the Eastern Region had wanted Xiao Yunlong to stay at the mansion, but he refused, as it was not in accordance with protocol.
However, as soon as they returned to the villa at the foot of the mountain, a guard rushed forward and said, "Reporting to Mr. Xiao, half an hour ago, someone delivered a letter."
He then handed over a seemingly ordinary letter.
The envelope was addressed to "To Mr. Xiao Yunlong, For Your Eyes Only."
Xiao Yunlong opened it and his brows immediately furrowed.
The letter clearly read: Tomorrow at nine o'clock, on the East Sea, a battle to the death. Fusang Sword Saint Palace, Miyamoto Takeyoshi!