After a long absence, Chen Yuan exchanged many words with Madam Xu.

Having experienced so much, he had come to understand a simple truth.

Sometimes, it's not necessarily a knife that stabs you in the back, and what you carry on your shoulders isn't always a responsibility!

Madam Xu… was very moist.

Compared to before, she was even more to Chen Yuan's liking.

After they poured out their hearts to each other, Madam Xu asked about what had happened to Chen Yuan in the capital. Although she had heard about many things, hearing it directly from Chen Yuan was much more accurate.

Moreover, because of the distance between them, there were some things she simply didn't know, such as the considerable disturbance Chen Yuan had caused with Princess Pingyang.

Chen Yuan let out a long breath, feeling content at that moment.

Beforehand, he was mad like a demon; afterward, he was as serene as a Buddha.

The Emperor Slaughtering Blade, carrying the spirit of Senior Moro, was placed by Chen Yuan in the Sky Patrol Hall. Although he believed that Moro's character wouldn't allow him to peek, it was still awkward to have it nearby.

He wasn't ready to play the role of a mentor just yet.

Furthermore, he had inscribed concealment formations around the area to prevent prying eyes…

Chen Yuan lay on Madam Xu's body, recounting everything that had happened since he left Qingzhou. Of course, he couldn't reveal any confidential matters.

But there was still much he could tell her.

For example, how he 'coincidentally' encountered the remnants of his former enemies and conveniently annihilated them.

For example, how he 'accidentally' incurred the wrath of the current imperial prince over a trivial matter and personally crippled his uncle.

For example, how he had been ordered to pass through a trial and had become famous for breaking the Sumeru Illusion set up by Japanese warriors.

For example, how he had now been granted the title of Marquis of Wuwei!

These stories were filled with legendary interest, and Madam Xu listened with rapt attention. She also expressed her concern for the dangers Chen Yuan had faced, saying she didn't want him to push himself so hard.

His life was the most important thing.

Chen Yuan held Madam Xu's hand and said with a solemn expression:

"In this world, how can one gain power and influence without struggle? Without struggle... how can one rise above others?"

Madam Xu fell silent after hearing this, only gripping Chen Yuan's hand even tighter.

As a woman, there wasn't much she could do, except help him manage the foundation of Tangshan Prefecture. Even if something went wrong in the future, here, he would still have hundreds of thousands of Tangshan citizens and tens of thousands of subordinates following him.

During their conversation, Madam Xu also asked Chen Yuan if he wanted a child, a real child.

Chen Yuan didn't answer.

Madam Xu thought she had offended Chen Yuan and quickly changed the subject. But she didn't know that Chen Yuan wasn't angry at all. What was there to be angry about?

He was just hesitant, because he had never thought about this matter before.

He was too dangerous now, with too many powerful enemies. A child would only be a burden, and he was someone who didn't want to be tied down, only believing in his own strength.

Madam Xu changed the subject to something interesting: Shen Yanshu.

She said that she had secretly come to visit her once before.

Chen Yuan returned to his senses, looked at Madam Xu curiously, and asked:

"What did you talk about when you met?"

Madam Xu smiled:

"The people of Tangshan Prefecture all say that Chen Qingshi is as wise as a god, knows everything, and is all-powerful. How... could it be that you can't guess?"

Chen Yuan also smiled and said lightly:

"What Miss Shen said was nothing more than our past together, and what she asked about... was the story of how you and I met."

"How... how do you know?"

"You said it yourself, I am as wise as a god and know everything. Is it difficult to know this?" Chen Yuan said.

There was nothing difficult about it. Shen Yanshu and Madam Xu had never met before. What could they talk about? Could they become as close as sisters after just one meeting?

She must have been recounting and asking about their past with Chen Yuan.

"Worthy of being Chen Qingshi, you are indeed extraordinary. I only hope you don't have to lean on the wall when you leave tomorrow."

Madam Xu snorted softly.

Chen Yuan smiled faintly:

"Then you better not be unable to get up tomorrow."

"Who's afraid of who? Come on?"

"Come on!"

......

......

The next day, early morning.

A fair hand grabbed the door. Chen Yuan walked out with a calm expression, took a deep breath, recalled the night before, shook his head slowly, rubbed his waist, and glanced back at the still-sleeping person.

He chuckled and strode away.

After having breakfast, Chen Yuan came to the backyard. At this moment, Ouyang Zhi had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Chen Yuan arrive, he quickly bowed and saluted:

"Son greets father."

"Yes, sit down."

Looking at Chen Yuan's calm expression, a hint of doubt flashed across Ouyang Zhi's brow. Logically speaking, it shouldn't be like this. His mother had been deprived of intimacy for a long time, yet she couldn't subdue Chen Qingshi?

Could it be that Chen Qingshi was different from ordinary people?

"What are you thinking about?"

Chen Yuan asked casually.

"Nothing, just wondering why father summoned son here alone. I'm just a little curious." Ouyang Zhi quickly regained his composure and said with a flattering smile.

With a wave of his long sleeve, a set of tea utensils appeared on the table, still steaming with heat.

"Try it."

"Son obeys."

"How is it?"

"The tea fragrance is intoxicating, a rare treasure of the world," Ouyang Zhi commented.

Chen Yuan took a deep look at the unusually sensible Ouyang Zhi. He still remembered his rebellious appearance from before, just like the Fourth Prince Sima Ke.

Hmm...

Why did he think of him?

"Calling you here today isn't really a big deal. It's just a casual chat. Since the Hidden Soldier Valley incident, although we've met, we haven't had a good talk. Since I'm resting here for a day or two, let's chat for a while."

Chen Yuan said nonchalantly.

But these words startled Ouyang Zhi, who quickly said:

"Did son do something to anger father?"

"Don't panic, you're doing very well."

"Yes..."

"How is Hidden Soldier Valley recently?"

"How is your cultivation going?"

"What do you think of Mount Shu?"

"Have you been to Jiangdu?"

During the casual conversation, Chen Yuan asked Ouyang Zhi many questions, all of which he answered. But the most important one was the question he had just asked.

Shu Prefecture Jiangdu!

This was Chen Yuan's destination.

Under the guidance of Senior Moro, the person who was concealing his fate was hidden in Jiangdu Prefecture in Shu Prefecture.

Chen Yuan had a faint premonition that this trip wouldn't be too peaceful. Since Ouyang Zhi was here, he naturally wanted to ask him, and ask him inconspicuously.

Because he didn't want anyone to notice his purpose.

Actually, he could also ask Madam Xu, but as far as she knew, she had spent most of her time in Hidden Soldier Valley in previous years, while Ouyang Zhi had traveled through Shu Prefecture when he was young.

"Jiangdu?" Although Ouyang Zhi didn't understand why Chen Yuan would ask about this place, he still said truthfully:

"I've been there."

"Tell me about it."

"Tell you what..."

"Tell me anything you know."

Chen Yuan said softly.

Ouyang Zhi looked directly into Chen Yuan's eyes, swallowed his saliva, recalled for a while, and pondered:

"Father also knows that Shu Prefecture is large and narrow, with many mountains and rivers, and not many passable roads. Therefore, it is divided into South Shu, North Shu, and Central Shu.

And this Jiangdu Prefecture is located on the border of Central Shu, near South Shu. As for the origin of this Jiangdu Prefecture, it is because of a river that runs through Central Shu,

called the Min River.

The Min River floods frequently, causing countless people in Central Shu to die. During the Former Chu Dynasty, the imperial court racked its brains to deal with it, and finally, after many hardships, the Min River was managed well under the leadership of a great sage.

Later, it was called Dujiangyan, and the imperial court, in gratitude for the great sage's merits, built a temple and statue for him and renamed this place Jiangdu."

Chen Yuan nodded:

"Continue."

"Jiangdu Prefecture has managed water conservancy because of Dujiangyan. The former Central Shu has also benefited from this and has become a well-known place, attracting many Jianghu sects to station here.

Although this place is chaotic, there is only one outstanding one. The most famous one is called the Tang Sect!"

"Tang Sect?"

Chen Yuan had heard of this name before. He remembered that Yan Qing's hidden weapon techniques seemed to have been learned from a Tang Sect expert, which had helped him a lot.

"Yes, because of its great reputation, some well-meaning people also call it the Shu Prefecture Tang Sect..."

Seeming to see that Chen Yuan was somewhat interested in this so-called 'Tang Sect,' Ouyang Zhi immediately revealed everything he knew. In his words, Chen Yuan also gained some understanding of this Tang Sect of Shu Prefecture that he had never met before.

It could be considered one of the most outstanding first-rate forces in Shu Prefecture, known for its hidden weapons, and one of the most troublesome first-rate forces under the top sects.

Various hidden weapons have considerable power, and anyone below the Huayang realm would be threatened by their hidden weapons.

The current sect master is named Tang Xianzhuo. Because he has three unique skills that are famous in Shu Prefecture, he is also known as... Tang Jue.

His strength is particularly extraordinary. At only fifty years old, he has relied on his cultivation and strength to reach the top 30 of the Power Ranking, although only at the end, but it is enough to prove his strength.

He was praised by a famous Jianghu veteran as having the potential to reach the Huayang realm!

His most famous battle in recent years was when he crossed the prefecture alone and destroyed a first-rate sect for the death of his wife, which made people shudder.

And his reputation for being infatuated also made many people admire him.

Chen Yuan asked Ouyang Zhi why he was so clear about this Tang Sect. His answer was that Hidden Soldier Valley and the Tang Sect both belonged to first-rate forces, one focusing on hidden weapons and the other on refining weapons.

There were many interactions between the two sides, and he had personally met this Tang Sect master, who was indeed extraordinary.

In addition, Ouyang Zhi also introduced Chen Yuan to other forces in Jiangdu Prefecture, speaking clearly and understanding them very well. But what impressed Chen Yuan the most was still this Tang Sect of Shu Prefecture.

There was no way around it. Yan Qing often mentioned it, saying that his dream was to join the Tang Sect and cultivate the art of hidden weapons.

In order to prevent Ouyang Zhi from noticing anything, Chen Yuan quickly changed the subject and moved it to Mount Shu, which also made Ouyang Zhi a little confused.

But even if he was puzzled in his heart, he didn't dare to ask...

Anyway, whatever Chen Yuan was interested in, he would just answer it.

They talked for half a day until Ouyang Zhi's mouth was dry, and then they stopped. Afterward, Madam Xu came late, glared at Chen Yuan unhappily, and then the three of them had a 'family banquet.'

After the family banquet, Ouyang Zhi bowed and left.

Madam Xu looked at Ouyang Zhi's back and said softly:

"Do you think... is it time for Zhi'er to start a family?"

Chen Yuan was speechless. Good heavens, was Madam Xu really treating him as Ouyang Zhi's father?

She was actually discussing this kind of thing?

He let out a long breath and said in a deep voice:

"You can decide this matter yourself. I have something else to do."

"What is it?"

"To go and comfort Chen's army!"

Chen Yuan was very clear about this army, whose predecessor was the Tangshan Prefecture Military Force. He had been remotely commanding it, ordering it to build its camp in the sparsely populated Tangshan Mountains to avoid being discovered.

But he had never actually visited it.

As the lord they served, how could he not show concern for his soldiers?

No sooner said than done. Under Chen Yuan's orders, Madam Xu immediately ordered the purchase of a large amount of fruits, vegetables, and meat, preparing to have Chen Yuan take them to comfort the loyal army.

That afternoon, Du Ming set out with a large pile of things.

Chen Yuan disguised his appearance, and no one could recognize him.

This army didn't have a name yet and had always been an invisible existence. After placing the meat and vegetables outside the Tangshan Mountains, Du Ming told the carriages to return.

After waiting for about a quarter of an hour, a rumbling sound like an earthquake from a collapsing mountain rang out.

Du Ming bowed and said:

"Master, this is the cavalry that your subordinate has built. Although the number is small, each one has a Bone Refinement cultivation comparable to the Sky Patrol Guards. The warhorses under them are even foreign breeds obtained from the border..."

Chen Yuan nodded slightly. Warriors, especially those with high cultivations, rode horses that were not ordinary warhorses. Many elite armies used foreign breeds.

For example, the guards of the Martial Emperor City of the East Sea.

For example, the Northern Liang Iron Cavalry, which had long been famous in the Jianghu, all rode foreign breed horses with extraordinary combat power.

Some say that below the Dan realm, no matter how strong a warrior's cultivation is, they cannot withstand the killing intent of a thousand foreign breed cavalry charging.

Soon, the rumbling thunder became closer and closer, dust filled the sky, and then Chen Yuan saw nearly a hundred cavalrymen in deep black armor rushing in.

About thirty yards away from Chen Yuan and Du Ming, nearly a hundred cavalrymen reined in their horses in unison, their formation neat and uniform, exuding a chilling aura.

Nearly a hundred cavalrymen dismounted at the same time, clasped their fists, and said:

"Greetings, Captain!"

"Greetings, Captain!"

Du Ming stepped forward and said in a deep voice:

"This is our Lord, Chen Yuan, Chen Qingshi!"

Nearly a hundred cavalrymen's eyes narrowed, and they immediately focused on Chen Yuan, who calmly faced them.

"Greetings, Lord!"

"Greetings, Lord!"

"Rise."

Chen Yuan waved his hand gently, and an invisible force of heaven and earth instantly enveloped nearly a hundred people, causing them to stand up straight involuntarily. The gazes they cast on Chen Yuan were all filled with fanaticism.

As far as the eye could see, no one had a different expression. Chen Yuan was very satisfied.

Du Ming had some skills. After Tangshan Prefecture was on the right track, with the support of vast resources, he had created a wave of remarkable cavalry.

Although it was impossible to see its merits or demerits now, at least its aura was extraordinary and its discipline was strict.

"Return to camp!"

Chen Yuan said loudly.

"Understood!"

"Understood!"

A group of iron cavalry led the way, and Chen Yuan and Du Ming flew through the air. After about half an hour, they finally entered the depths of the Tangshan Mountains.

It was also the location of the military camp.

In Chen Yuan's perception, there were many auras surrounding the military camp. This made him understand, because Du Ming had said that in order to prevent the news from leaking out, someone was keeping an eye on it, as if they were afraid someone would expose it.

It could be said that this place was guarded like an iron barrel.

At the same time, there were also many concealment formations inscribed by formation masters nearby. Unless someone happened to come here, they would never discover that a plain and unremarkable valley actually hid an army of ten thousand men!

Chen Yuan stepped into the military camp, and all that entered his ears were shouts. As he walked, Du Ming was also introducing the detailed situation of this place to Chen Yuan.

He said that this army was not yet ready to be pulled out for a major battle because it had not yet experienced the baptism of iron and blood. In order to keep the soldiers from being afraid of killing, every seven days, a batch of death row inmates would be brought from the prisons of various counties in Tangshan Prefecture for the soldiers to practice on.

If they won, they would be rewarded with money and women. If they lost, their life or death would not be considered, and then death row inmates would be absorbed into the army.

The survival of the fittest was written to the fullest here!

This military camp was very mixed, with good families, Sky Patrol Guards, death row inmates, and veterans of the former military force.

In order to quickly train an army that could go to war, he also discussed with Han Yu and used many methods to gather many elites from the border.

Using the old to lead the new could form an army more quickly.

Chen Yuan encouraged them a few words. As soon as he entered the military camp, he felt the fierce aura, and the Emperor Slaughtering Blade was trembling, as if expressing excitement.

As he was walking, a sound entered his ears.

A drill instructor with a Tiangang cultivation base was asking questions.

Chen Yuan looked up and took it all in.

The drill instructor shouted:

"Whose clothes are you wearing?"

"Lord Chen's clothes!"

Hundreds of people said in unison.

"Whose rice are you eating?"

"Lord Chen's rice!"

"Whose weapons are you using?"

"Lord Chen's weapons!"

"Who will support your families?"

"Lord Chen will support us!"

"So, what should you do?"

"Die for Lord Chen!"

"Die for Lord Chen!"

"Die for Lord Chen!"

The sound waves were higher than the last, shaking people's hearts.

Chen Yuan nodded slightly. Of course, his training of troops was for himself. If he really wanted to conquer the world in the future, he would still have to rely on these troops to guard it. Jianghu warriors were scattered and unruly and difficult to manage.

Not as loyal as the army.

And these words were all set by him beforehand.

Du Ming followed them all.

"Lord, do you want to show your face?"

"Since we're here, let's meet them!"

Chen Yuan said in a deep voice.

As soon as he said this, Du Ming naturally followed him and immediately ordered the deputy general beside him to summon all the soldiers of the camp.

Neat formations began to gather in the drill ground. In just a quarter of an hour, everyone had arrived. At a glance, it was a dense mass of people.

No one dared to discuss privately, and all were staring ahead.

Du Ming took the lead and said loudly:

"Soldiers, this is Lord Chen Yuan, who supports your families, gives you clothes to wear, and allows you to eat your fill and embark on the path of martial arts!"

His words were concise, because... today was not his main event.

Chen Yuan stepped out, and the wind and clouds in the void gathered, as if the sky was collapsing. He looked down at the black-armored soldiers below and said in a deep voice:

"I am Chen Yuan!"

There was no flowery introduction, just a simple sentence, but it contained powerful power.

Tens of thousands of people looked up at Chen Yuan and knelt on one knee in unison:

"Die for Lord Chen!"

"Die for Lord Chen!"

"Die for Lord Chen!"

.......

It seems everyone likes the 'Legacy of Cao Cao' very much...