Always the Human Heart

"In this world, the number of individuals possessing formidable cultivation is beyond count; yet, we can compel countless such individuals to live and die for us... Therefore, what remains of utmost importance is to grasp the weaknesses of humanity, to seize the human heart..." The empress dowager, lying upon her sickbed, gazed earnestly at Emperor Feng Xuan and declared, "Thus, for us, the crux lies not in martial prowess, but fundamentally in the heart."

Emperor Feng Xuan nodded, a deep understanding dawning upon him, as he replied with a hint of dependency, "Shall I also add a piece of ancient jade and a soul crystal?"

"Excellent. You have chosen not the Healing Elixir or the Rebirth Pill, but rather the materials for forging powerful soul weapons... This truly brings me solace," the empress dowager praised, regarding him with admiration. "You are wise; even the mightiest weapons rely on their wielders... hence, the essence of humanity surpasses that of any weapon."

Had a wise counselor of the Tang Zang Ancient Kingdom been privy to the conversation between the youthful emperor and the empress dowager, an icy chill would have coursed through them, realizing that the young emperor's remarkable display was not merely a result of talent, but rather the guidance of an exceptionally astute mentor.

If a master is powerful enough to instill fear, then a disciple, even if only acquiring the slightest skill, becomes incomparable to ordinary folk. The empress dowager of Yun Qin is more formidable than any of their strategists could imagine.

"Feng Xuan, please arrange for me to leave the palace when the academy responds next... I wish to visit Chanyun Linhai and behold the Prajna Buddha once more."

Gazing at the young emperor, who had comprehended the intricacies of their situation and made the right decision, the empress dowager tenderly caressed his hand, reminiscing softly, "I deeply miss that magnificent sight…"

"Mother…" Her words were spoken with such simplicity, yet the emperor, already shaped beyond the ordinary by her influence, discerned a profound meaning within them. His body trembled, instinctively tightening his grip on her hand, fearing that should he release her, she might vanish from his sight. Tears cascaded down his youthful visage like precious pearls.

This young emperor, who commanded such authority in the court that it instilled trepidation in the hearts of the Tang Zang ministers, found himself momentarily overcome with grief.

He understood all too well that his beloved mother's desire to leave the palace was not merely a longing for a place she had once inhabited... but rather a request that would be difficult to refuse at any time.

"Life inevitably encompasses birth, aging, illness, and death... Even someone of Director Zhang's stature at Qing Luan Academy is not exempt. For me, nothing brings greater joy than witnessing your growth at this moment... I am truly content; how many in this world can genuinely achieve inner peace and satisfaction? Therefore, you should not feel sorrow for me, but rather rejoice."

The empress dowager smiled, stroking the young emperor's hand, yet a rare pride flickered across her otherwise somber countenance: "In this world, who can achieve what I have... aside from Director Zhang, who else has lived such a splendid life as mine?"

"Mother, you speak wisely," Emperor Feng Xuan wept. "Yet you have also told me that we are ultimately but ordinary people. Even if we can coldly manipulate the lives and deaths of many, we cannot control the raw emotions we feel for our closest kin."

…

To the far east of the Tang Zang Ancient Kingdom lies Biluo Ridge, and to the far west of the Yun Qin Empire, it is also Biluo Ridge.

The scenery of Biluo Ridge is breathtaking and awe-inspiring.

It is a land adorned with graceful trees and lakes, hills, and plains; yet, as it extends to the borders of the Tang Zang Ancient Kingdom, a corridor-like canyon cleaves the earth. To the east of the canyon lies a picturesque region reminiscent of Jiangnan, while across the deep gorge, the opposite side is filled with various strange sand hills and deserts, dotted with remnants of ancient castles and homes, alongside some desiccated poplars that have stood for centuries.

Once, the verdant Biluo Ridge was inhabited by fifteen nomadic tribes, collectively known as the Fifteen Tribes of the Western Yi.

However, sixty years ago, these fifteen fiercely independent tribes, led by a few restless chieftains, embarked on a journey of pillage and destruction, eager to witness the fabled golden city of Zhongzhou, to see if the women of Zhongzhou truly possessed skin as delicate as the legends described.

Yet, these Western Yi, who had thrived on various beast meats and grown up on horseback, ultimately provoked a middle-aged man named Zhang, who then etched his name into the annals of Yun Qin history, unveiling its most glorious chapter.

The Fifteen Tribes of the Western Yi were left utterly disheartened, abandoning Biluo Ridge and retreating to the barren lands between the sand hills and deserts, surviving on the serpents and scorpions of the wasteland, reduced to the status of desperate bandits.

Had it not been for Tang Zang's disinterest in these bandits, who harbored far greater hostility towards Yun Qin than Tang Zang, these rogues would likely have been exterminated long ago.

Yet, even with a tacit understanding between the two sides... the Tang Zang army and some practitioners turning a blind eye to these bandits, while the bandits refrained from attacking passing ascetics and merchant caravans, they were compelled to risk crossing Biluo Ridge each autumn to seize grain, livestock, clothing, and even women and children... for survival.

They referred to this as the autumn harvest, while the border troops of Yun Qin labeled it the autumn locusts.

These bandits, typically cowed by fear, transformed into relentless swarms akin to locusts during this season, striking fear and causing countless strong warriors among the border troops to fall.

Guarding Biluo Ridge is the illustrious General Wenren Cangyue, a figure whose very name instills dread among many.

This general, known for his fearsome reputation, felt that his original name was too feminine, so he altered it, changing "Yue" to "Yue." Thus, many now refer to him as Wenren Cangyue, though those familiar with him still prefer the original name.

In Yun Qin, where education and etiquette are highly esteemed, altering one's name given by parents is deemed profoundly disrespectful... Yet, due to his rapid accumulation of military achievements and his swift rise through the ranks over the past decades, his transgressions were overlooked.

…

To the east of Biluo Ridge lies a tranquil yet desolate lake known as Mirror Sky Lake.

Within its shores and seemingly serene waters dwell fearsome beasts, some possessing strength rivaling that of practitioners.

Among them is the Mirror Sky Merfolk, a humanoid creature with a fish tail, capable of astonishing speed in water and shooting jets of water powerful enough to pierce through flesh.

Thus, this vast expanse, undoubtedly ranking among the top three largest bodies of water in Yun Qin, remains devoid of any vessels, further enhancing its tranquility.

However, at the eastern edge of this lake, where it adjoins the Tang Zang territory, lies a forest of immense trees. Due to the density of these giants, the area is perpetually shrouded in mist, causing even seasoned soldiers to lose their bearings within its depths. This forest serves as a gateway for the locust-like bandits and the occasional soldiers and practitioners of the Tang Zang Ancient Kingdom to enter Yun Qin, as well as a battleground against the border troops. Deep within the woods, countless hidden dangers and uncounted bones lie buried.

On a slightly elevated open plain by Mirror Sky Lake stands the encampment of the Biluo border troops, with black tents stretching like a sea and military banners fluttering in the wind.

Should Lin Xi, who had never witnessed a true army in this world, behold such a sight, he would undoubtedly be overwhelmed with awe.

At this moment, the valiant and iron-willed General Wenren sits within the central command tent.

Above the oversized tent, which dwarfs ordinary ones, a flag dyed a deep purple-black with blood hangs from a flagpole, emblazoned with the characters "Wenren," exuding an air of arrogance.

Wenren Cangyue, clad in simple blue cloth, possesses brows as dark as ink and lips as red as brocade. His robust physique beneath the thin garment resembles iron, and the lines of his face convey an extraordinary resolve and coldness. Such a man, even dressed in the most ordinary attire, walking among the common folk, would stand out as extraordinary, radiating an undeniable aura of a remarkable leader.

Yun Qin is a nation built upon martial prowess and reveres strength above all. Thus, even the deputy head of the Zhengwu Division wields power comparable to that of the heads of other divisions. As a prominent figure overseeing the Biluo border troops, his rank is equivalent to that of the deputy head of the Zhengwu Division, yet he appears to be only in his thirties.

Seated beside him is a man in his fifties, marked by a prominent scar across his face, who gazes silently and coldly at Wenren Cangyue, awaiting his response.

This somewhat menacing-looking man, exuding the aura of a butcher, is Liu Yuxiang, the military strategist of the Biluo border troops and Wenren Cangyue's foremost advisor. In the vicinity of Biluo Ridge, he is known as the Ghost Strategist, for no one knows where he might appear, seemingly able to penetrate the hearts of men and discern their thoughts with uncanny clarity.

"A heavy armor, it can be established anywhere, but it must originate from our Biluo border troops," Wenren Cangyue remarked, setting down a report, his gaze fixed coldly upon Liu Yuxiang. "What is your perspective?"

The Ghost Strategist glanced at Wenren Cangyue, his words piercingly direct: "This is undoubtedly a signal for your withdrawal; however, I am unwilling, and you shall not be either."

"I initially sought merely to enter beyond that veil, unwilling to be subjugated by them. Yet now... I ponder, the structure of Yun Qin, with its emperor and nine elders, has persisted for decades, yet do they truly believe it can endure indefinitely?" Wenren Cangyue's expression remained impassive as he regarded the Ghost Strategist. "They fail to recognize that they are aging, while I am still young, with another sixty or seventy years of vigor ahead of me. Do they expect me to resign myself to a quiet existence in such a position? Since you are unwilling, I too shall not relent... If they demand my restraint, I will accrue even greater military achievements, showcasing my merits, and I will see how they can maintain their composure in the face of my boiling waters... Did they not push forth Zhu Moyi? Am I not capable of doing the same?"

"Should chaos arise, the emperor will be enraged." The Ghost Strategist nodded coldly. "Those in power do not fear disorder, for it has not escalated to a point beyond their control, one that would truly alarm them... Yet for soldiers, the more chaotic the situation, the more crucial their role becomes."