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    Edict of Peace 45

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    Chapter 45: The Phoenix Soars!

    A Law Physique represents one’s essence, energy, spirit, and will—a manifestation of Yin and Yang energies.

    Changsun Wuchou bowed with a smile, but his fox Law Physique approached Li Guanyi, seemingly investigating. It was unclear if this was some observational technique.

    But as the fox neared the young man, the Bronze Tripod trembled. Two Law Physiques, a dragon and a tiger, attacked. The red dragon’s tail remained on the Bronze Tripod, its scale-like armor wrapping around the fox’s neck, while the white tiger pounced.

    Though still immature in form, the two Law Physiques fiercely tore away a large portion of the fox’s energy. The fox, terrified, retreated.

    For some reason, a primal unease suddenly arose in Changsun Wuchou’s heart. He hadn’t experienced this feeling during his solitary travels in the Western Regions. The techniques he learned from ancient texts to probe others’ energies seemed useless; all he sensed was darkness. The youth, in a dark blue robe, stood there, as quiet and dangerous as a mountain tiger. He bowed slightly and said:

    “I am Li Guanyi.”

    “Greetings, Master Changsun.”

    Changsun Wuchou looked at the young man, his brow furrowed slightly, instantly suppressing his unease, and nodded with a smile.

    “Indeed, a young hero.”

    Li Guanyi watched Changsun Wuchou leave.

    Returning to the Xue Estate, the red dragon and white tiger brought back the remnants of the fox’s energy. The Bronze Tripod seemed to glow, but this fox was apparently unworthy of entering the tripod; a section of it lit up and then dimmed as the fox’s energy completely dissipated. The white tiger and red dragon Law Physiques each absorbed a portion.

    Both shone brighter, slightly larger than before.

    Changsun Wuchou was then led to the Listening Wind Pavilion, where Xue Daoyong personally greeted him. Changsun Wuchou quickly stepped forward, performed a grand prostration, addressing him as “Esteemed Uncle.” The white-haired Xue Daoyong hurried over, supporting him and patting his shoulder, reproaching him: “Nephew, what are you doing? Why such formality?”

    The two exchanged smiles, their understanding unspoken.

    Changsun Wuchou rose, and Xue Daoyong invited him inside for tea. After a few cups, Changsun Wuchou smiled, “You should have received the letter my brother sent you. I’m here about that.”

    Xue Daoyong was reading this letter when the Cloud-Shattering Heavenly Bow first sounded its roar. He smiled,

    “Indeed.”

    Changsun Wuchou softly said, “The descendants of the Dangxiang people are in the Western Regions. Now the Tuyuhun have occupied their territory. You opened the path, and we sold salt, iron, and weapons to the Dangxiang. With these weapons, and the opportune death of their Left Prince, they’ve now begun fighting the Tuyuhun.”

    “This has stabilized the border regions of Ying and Chen Kingdoms.”

    “Old Master, truly a clever strategy!”

    “Tenfold profits, and the Dangxiang are now acting as a buffer against the Tuyuhun for Chen Kingdom.”

    Xue Daoyong replied, “Though I’m a merchant, when Marshal Yue left and the borders were threatened, I had to use my own methods to stabilize them. Alas, I’m just an old, frail man now; I can no longer ride and fight…”

    Changsun Wuchou smiled in agreement.

    Xue Daoyong asked, “How are the Dangxiang?”

    Changsun Wuchou replied, “Brave and fierce.”

    Xue Daoyong took a sip of tea, reviewed the trade documents, and calmly said, “We can continue to assist them for a while, until they can effectively counter the Tuyuhun.”

    “Afterward, nephew, you’ll need to sell weapons and salt to the Tuyuhun.”

    Changsun Wuchou, understanding the bloodshed behind the elder’s words, said, “Old Master made a fortune while stabilizing the border. However, it’s unfortunate that the Tuyuhun and various tribes of the Western Regions will continue to fight amongst themselves.”

    Xue Daoyong laughed, “My nephew serves the great clans of Longxi. Isn’t that excellent?”

    The two smiled, raised their cups, and drank. The jade-like tea seemed like the vastness of the Western Regions flowing down their throats. Xue Daoyong said, “Barbarian tribes rely on horses and swords, often raiding the border regions. I’ve witnessed it myself. Those of different races have different hearts.”

    “For the Central Plains, a chaotic Western Regions is a good Western Regions.”

    Changsun Wuchou didn’t discuss such matters with this veteran of war and turmoil, who had seen the barbarian invasions. Smiling, he said, “We’ve finished discussing the trade here. Here is the latest map of the empire’s territories. I’d like to discuss more about this with you, Esteemed Uncle.”

    He presented a leather scroll. The elder smiled, “No need to rush. Today, I’d like to make bold request: allow a child to observe, if you don’t mind.”

    Changsun Wuchou smiled, “It seems the Xue family has a rising star.”

    “If you agree, Old Master, I have no objections.”

    He had travelled extensively throughout the Western Regions, which were largely under Tuyuhun control. However, the region was vast, and other tribes such as the Dangxiang and Tiele still clung to existence, resisting. Although Changsun Wuchou was a merchant, he was backed by the great clans of Longxi.

    Cooperating with Xue Daoyong’s eldest son, he could influence the fate of the region.

    He had seen many young heroes; the three sons of this powerful family were all exceptional. The Xue family, however, being merchants, were more relaxed.

    The door opened, and a sharp killing intent entered with it. Changsun Wuchou’s usually slightly narrowed eyes widened as he saw the youth in blue. Li Guanyi now wore a leather belt with a sword at his waist, and carried a simple rainbow bow. A blue crane and cloud headband kept sweat from his eyes. His brow was calm, and his gaze held the quiet composure of a seasoned martial artist.

    Changsun Wuchou sat up straight.

    It was him.

    Xue Daoyong beckoned the youth to sit, pointing at him proudly, “Li Guanyi of Jiangzhou. My Qilin (Chinese Unicorn)!”

    He then pointed to Changsun Wuchou, “Descendant of the Right Commander of Ying, currently serving a State Duke, a powerful family. Nephew Changsun will introduce himself.”

    Changsun Wuchou looked at Li Guanyi, smiling and bowing, “Second son of the Marquis of Longxi, of the Ji lineage. Son of the Right Commander of Great Ying. Nephew of the Great Ying’s Chief Ceremonial Officer. Changsun, a son of the Changsun clan, greets the young master.”

    This was the way great families interacted in this era. They stated their lineage and connections: the “Ji lineage” in “Marquis of Longxi, of the Ji lineage” refers to their ancestor having been ennobled in Li territory, thus taking the surname Li, but their clan name is Ji, a noble name bestowed by a former emperor of the Central Plains.

    Li Guanyi didn’t have such a prestigious background. He simply bowed, “We’ve already met, Master Changsun. I am Li Guanyi.”

    Changsun Wuchou smiled in response.

    He unfurled the map on the table, showing not only Ying and Chen Kingdoms but also the Tuyuhun territory in the Western Regions, the Turks in the north, the Khitan, Rouran, and Wulao Hou further northeast, along with mountains, rivers, cities, and towns, mostly in great detail.

    Xue Daoyong waved his hand, closing all the windows of the Listening Wind Pavilion. Thirteen fist-sized night pearls illuminated the room. Changsun Wuchou described the current situation, pointing to the Western Regions, “The Western Regions are in chaos. Thanks to Old Master’s methods, the Dangxiang desire revenge.”

    “Your Marshal Yue was captured while protecting the people, the Yue Army is arrayed against the Tiger Barbarian cavalry, and the Great General of Ying is leading troops north, facing the Turkic Tiefutus across the passes to prevent the starving Turkic cavalry from invading the Central Plains.”

    “The world is largely at peace…”

    Li Guanyi sat quietly, observing these two men discussing the world’s affairs, studying the documents, noting the routes from Chen to Ying, memorizing them. His gaze fell on the map, and the teachings of Marshal Xue, five hundred years old, echoed in his mind.

    He could actually understand Changsun Wuchou and Xue Daoyong. Grand schemes for the nation!

    Old Master Xue used silver to destabilize the Western Regions, stabilizing the borders.

    No wonder Old Master Xue was so happy after mentioning “grand strategies for the nation, for the world, for lasting peace” that day. He thought I was his confidant.

    But I don’t have such ambition! I’m just a pretender.

    Li Guanyi drifted into his thoughts. The knowledge Marshal Xue had taught him resurfaced, becoming clearer. Changsun Wuchou, noticing the youth, smiled and pointed to the map, “Young Master, what do you think would happen if the situation changed?”

    Li Guanyi looked at the world, recalling Marshal Xue’s teachings, and instantly made his judgment. He habitually picked up the nearby brush. He turned it and tapped the table.

    “Here.”

    Changsun Wuchou and Xue Daoyong looked.

    The Western Regions?

    “The border is crumbling, Ying is facing the Turks, and Tuyuhun has no worries in the rear. If I were in charge… I wouldn’t let the Dangxiang and Tuyuhun fight now.”

    The young man sat quietly, his expression calm. He was young, still scholarly. Yet, vaguely, it seemed the world’s greatest general was sitting behind him, clad in black armor, sleeves drooping, a chess piece in his hand, the world before him.

    Li Guanyi’s raised hand was as if the general had crossed five hundred years, his finger falling on the map.

    “Keep the Dangxiang in check, feign weakness; Tuyuhun will want to take advantage of the conflict between the Turks and Ying to move south and seize the rich lands to compensate for their weaknesses; at this time, if the Dangxiang suddenly strike and cut off their supply lines, Tuyuhun will be in chaos.”

    “The border clans of Ying will not miss this opportunity and will certainly raid.”

    “At this moment, if a general leads elite cavalry from the Chen border…”

    “They could plunder Tuyuhun territory. Chen, Dangxiang, and Ying could tear the Western Region’s overlord apart and divide its land.”

    “…”

    Li Guanyi realized he wasn’t in a secluded realm. He retracted his hand, feeling ashamed, “Armchair strategizing, empty boasting; I apologize for my presumption.”

    Thank goodness Marshal Xue wasn’t here, otherwise, I’d have several more marks on my forehead.

    Xue Daoyong said, “…Such strategy is like those passed down from our ancestors.”

    Changsun Wuchou also laughed, “Haha, young brother, that’s insightful, especially at your age.”

    Changsun Wuchou and Xue Daoyong exchanged glances. They both casually dismissed Li Guanyi’s ideas as naive. Yet, they both saw a flicker of shock in the other’s eyes.

    That night, when Li Guanyi left the Xue Estate, he took his aunt back to the Xue family; Changsun Wuchou stayed outside. Xue Daoyong looked at the map of the world, silent for a long time, “…Is he a divine warrior descended to earth? His strategy is still immature, lacking in detail, rough around the edges.”

    “But he is incredibly creative, ingenious.”

    “He doesn’t seem to understand basic military principles, yet has first-rate strategic vision.”

    “Who trained him? Did they skip the fundamentals and start directly with grand strategy?”

    The elder looked at the secret letter, a summons to confront Yu Qianfeng. The old man sighed, “Those who play the game also become chess pieces. That’s unavoidable. Yu Qianfeng, eh?”

    The elder sighed, “I truly don’t want to fight with Marshal Yue’s generals…”

    Changsun Wuchou was writing a letter. It was to the second son of the Marquis of Longxi. It was filled with descriptions of sights, people, and events, but then he paused.

    He wrote in the Xianbei script of the border region:

    “…I was ordered to discuss Western Regions matters with the Xue family, hoping to delay the Dangxiang attack and join forces with Chen Kingdom to break Tuyuhun’s hegemony. I encountered a young man whose judgment of the Western Regions and the overall situation was identical to yours, at your age. His name… Li Guanyi of Jiangzhou.”

    Although the letter was addressed to the second son, it also said:

    “Second Miss, you may be interested.”

    The letter was tied to a hawk’s claw. The hawk spread its wings and flew away. At dawn of the next day, it reached the border region, where the Marquis of Longxi, of the Ji lineage, had guarded for generations. The hawk cried, and the letter fell.

    As the sun rose, an invisible bird caught the letter.

    Its wings spread, its feathers aflame, a magnificent phoenix bathed in sunlight descended.

    It landed on the shoulder of a thirteen-year-old girl. The girl had phoenix eyes, a red vertical mark on her brow—a dragon and phoenix-like beauty. On her shoulder, her innate phoenix Law Physique rested lazily.

    She opened the letter.

    Raised her eyebrow.

    “…The same judgment as mine?”

    (End of Chapter)

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