A day passed in the blink of an eye.
The entire Yunfang City was under strict martial law, with thorough checks for everyone entering or leaving.
Heavily armored imperial guards could be seen everywhere in the streets and alleys.
But Ning Tiance spent this day holding Zhou Minruo in the hall, utterly disheartened.
He didn't even receive the close attendant sent by the Zhou Emperor.
The Northern Frontier's War God had aged overnight.
However, early the next morning, Ning Tiance suddenly left the palace in plain clothes and went to the Jiang Yu Inn, drinking alone until dusk.
Chu Dahai stood in a building next to the inn, his gaze gloomy as he watched the passersby.
He was somewhat familiar with Ning Tiance's habits.
Over the past ten years, he had often drowned his sorrows in this small tavern.
The owner of this tavern had long been secretly investigated by the palace.
An old man without any cultivation, no background, had once served in the Northern Frontier, returned to the capital after being injured, and opened this small tavern.
This was probably the reason Ning Tiance frequented it.
Ling Xiao held Ning'er's hand as they walked through the ancient city's streets.
He could sense Chu Dahai's aura but paid it no mind.
Yunfang City was now seething with undercurrents; the slightest carelessness would attract attention.
It was better to act openly and aboveboard, which would instead avoid suspicion.
"Big brother... who are you taking me to see?" Ning'er seemed somewhat aware, her little face tense the whole way.
Ling Xiao just smiled and shook his head. "Don't be afraid, Ning'er. I'm taking you to see your father. He's a great hero."
"Big brother... don't you want Ning'er anymore?" Tears instantly welled up in Ning'er's eyes.
She didn't have much understanding of the word 'father.'
But these past few days, spending more time with Ye Qingchan and Ling Xiao, she had gradually grown somewhat dependent on them.
"How could that be? We're just going to see him, and then we'll return to the Heavenly Hall. Your sister Qingchan is waiting for you." Ling Xiao smiled warmly.
Just kidding, even if you wanted to follow your dad, I wouldn't be at ease!
I'm counting on you...
No, this Yunfang City is so chaotic. I don't think your father would let you stay here either.
"Really?! I like you and Sister Qingchan!" A smile immediately bloomed on Ning'er's little face.
And Ling Xiao's steps finally entered the humble shack.
"Xiao Di!!" Sure enough, Ning Tiance had been waiting for a long time, his eyes bloodshot and very haggard.
"This... who is this..." Suddenly, Ning Tiance froze. Or rather, the moment he saw Ning'er, he felt an inexplicable emotion.
Tears welled up in his eyes. But just as he walked up to Ning'er, the latter shrank back fearfully behind Ling Xiao.
"Elder Brother, she is Ning'er!" Ling Xiao smiled warmly, giving Ning Tiance a meaningful look.
"Xiao Di, don't worry. The owner of this tavern is my old subordinate. As for those watchers outside..." Ning Tiance suddenly sneered, and spiritual lights immediately flared up within Yunfang City, causing chaos.
Clearly, although Ning Tiance had long been in the imperial capital, he still had some loyal followers by his side.
"Ning'er, he is your father, Ning Tiance. He is also the Great Zhou War God, a great hero worthy of respect." Ling Xiao took Ning'er's hand and pulled her in front of Ning Tiance. "Your father didn't abandon you back then. He just had important matters and had to place you in foster care in Xuyun City. You, father and daughter, should have a good talk."
"Really? You're a great hero?" A trace of surprise flashed in Ning'er's eyes. Along the way, she had fantasized about what her parents looked like.
Although she didn't understand the term 'War God,' 'great hero' was every child's yearning for their father.
My father is a great hero.
"I... used to be. Ning'er... you've suffered these years." Ning Tiance smiled bitterly, his eyes desolate.
"Elder Brother, Yunfang City is too turbulent right now. I think Ning'er should stay with me for the time being?" A trace of gravity flashed in Ling Xiao's eyes, and Ning Tiance finally nodded, looking at Ling Xiao with gratitude. "Xiao Di, I will never forget this kindness in my lifetime."
"Ding! The Son of Fate feels submission. Congratulations, Host, on plundering 500 Luck Points and 5000 Villain Points."
"Elder Brother, you exaggerate. The Zhou Emperor is sinister, scheming against a War God who protects the nation. Elder Brother just needs to wait patiently. I think it won't be long before he begs you to return to the Northern Frontier and lead the troops."
"Huh? Xiao Di..."
"I will take Ning'er to Great Xia. If you trust me, Elder Brother, just wait at ease. As for Ning'er's safety, don't worry. I swear by my Dao Heart to protect her." Ling Xiao's expression was calm, and after a moment's thought, Ning Tiance slowly nodded.
"Once I return to the Northern Frontier, I am willing to accompany Xiao Di in conquering the world!" By now, although Ning Tiance didn't know Ling Xiao's identity, he could feel that this young brother had great ambitions.
But these ambitions weren't sinister; instead, they were open and aboveboard, making it hard to guard against them.
"Elder Brother, you are mistaken. I want you to command troops not to help me conquer the world. I just promised someone I would help him reclaim his realm. Once that wish is fulfilled, I will leave the Western Frontier. As for this world, what does it matter if I give it to you?" Ling Xiao laughed freely, but Ning Tiance's eyes suddenly sharpened.
So... I misunderstood him!
He values trust, is candid and open. Even eternal glory cannot compare to a single promise in his eyes!
At this moment, a bright, hearty smile suddenly bloomed on Ning Tiance's face.
"Ding! The Son of Fate submits completely, triggering an additional reward. Congratulations, Host, on obtaining one opportunity for Dao Principle Perfection and the Ancient Immortal Array: Nine Dragons Heaven-Locking Grand Formation!"
"Heh, finally here." Ling Xiao looked down at Ning'er. "Ning'er, we should go. I think... you and your father will be truly reunited soon."
"Ning'er..." Ning Tiance's eyes were filled with reluctance, and Ning'er, no longer as shy and resistant as before, looked at Ning Tiance and suddenly said, "Then next time we meet, can you tell me how you protected our home and country?"
"Of course! Of course I can! Ning'er... stay by your Uncle Xiao's side. You must be obedient..."
"Uncle Xiao?" A trace of confusion flashed in Ning'er's eyes, but Ling Xiao rubbed her head. "It's fine. Call me whatever you want. It's not important."
"Xiao Di, this token is my secret command, recognized only by the generals of the Northern Frontier! Keep it with you. If I... truly cannot leave this imperial capital, you can still command the Northern Frontier's million-strong army!" Ning Tiance took out an ancient token from his bosom, handed it to Ling Xiao, his eyes filled with a domineering aura.
"Elder Brother... Very well! If you cannot leave the imperial capital, I will come here and take you out!" Ling Xiao took a deep breath, finally hesitated no more, took Ning'er's small hand, and walked out of the tavern, cursing loudly, "Damn it, why can you drink here but we can't? Who do you think you are, the War God?!"
Ning'er stared wide-eyed at Ling Xiao, clearly not understanding why her big brother... suddenly turned hostile.
Ye Qingchan was already waiting in the distance. Seeing the two approach, a warm smile instantly bloomed on her peerlessly beautiful face.
The three held hands and walked away. Chu Dahai's figure swooped down from the distant sky, glanced warily at Ling Xiao, but did not stop them.
Two people at the Breakthrough Realm, surrounded by flowing immortal radiance and hazy Dao light, walking so openly on the streets—definitely not demonic cultists. They seem like a Daoist couple traveling the mountains and rivers.
And judging by their age, they couldn't possibly be Ning Tiance's old subordinates.
But... that little girl's appearance... how...
Should I remind that young man to be careful of... the neighbor?
By the time Ling Xiao and the other two left Yunfang City, summoned the Nine Dragon Golden Chariot, and the outline of the great city below gradually grew small and disappeared, the game in Great Zhou was already set.
All that remained was the final east wind.
Ning Tiance was destined to become Ling Xiao's sharp blade for conquering the Western Frontier.
A generation's War God had thus pledged his loyalty.
Heh. Great Xia.
Your Ancestor has returned.