“Young friend, I wonder about your...”
When Gong Shu escorted Luo Mu to a courtyard, he hesitated for a moment before asking.
“Academy mission, clearing a demon cult stronghold. Although there were some unexpected incidents, it was fortunate that we made it through safely...”
Seeing Gong Shu's gaze fall on his blood-red clothes, Luo Mu understood what he wanted to ask.
He then briefly described what happened.
“Those Chi Yue Demon Cult scoundrels, they dared to attack the young miss! They are truly seeking death!”
After listening, a strong killing intent flashed in Gong Shu's eyes.
Although it was only for a moment, Luo Mu's pupils contracted slightly.
He almost instinctively drew his sword.
Until now, he had never encountered such an exaggerated killing intent.
A scene of a blood-soaked sea involuntarily appeared in his mind.
It seemed his guess was correct.
This old steward of the Hou Mansion was extremely strong.
“Apologies, I lost control for a moment. You should rest up. Someone will bring you hot water later.”
Gong Shu regained his composure, his face showing a gentle smile.
Then, he turned and left.
Closing the door.
Luo Mu stretched his body.
Although his body cultivation had reached a small accomplishment, he didn't feel tired, but his spirit was already somewhat weary.
“I'll get a good night's rest tonight.”
Luo Mu understood the importance of work-life balance.
——
The next day.
The first rays of dawn broke.
Luo Mu was already practicing his swordsmanship in the courtyard.
He was not far from grasping the sword intent.
As long as he achieved a high enough multiplier, he would immediately break through that barrier and successfully comprehend it.
Even if not.
A day or two would be enough.
Therefore, Luo Mu was now filled with motivation.
Once he grasped the sword intent.
Within the True Aperture Realm, even in the Inner Palace, there would be few who could be his opponent!
咚咚咚!
A knock on the door sounded.
But Luo Mu was deeply immersed in his swordsmanship, and didn't hear it.
Outside the door was Cheng Qing Man.
“Is anyone there?”
Cheng Qing Man frowned.
Then, she jumped onto the courtyard wall and saw Luo Mu practicing his sword with his shirt off, completely focused.
His appearance was one of complete selflessness.
“He’s truly a... martial arts fanatic.”
“He started cultivating so early.”
“If Father saw this, he would definitely be very happy.”
Cheng Qing Man's mind flashed with her father's appearance when he practiced.
He was the same.
Lost in his practice to the extreme.
When she was a child, if not for Gong Shu's timely protection, she would have been accidentally killed by her father's unconscious elbow strike.
Of course, that was because she was being reckless, thinking about scaring her father from behind.
Thinking about this, Cheng Qing Man carefully left the courtyard wall.
She had no intention of disturbing Luo Mu.
Some things, she would arrange herself.
——
Outside of Xunyang City.
A long line of people marched forward in a majestic manner.
Everyone was dressed in a deep shade of black.
As far as the eye could see, it was like a black dragon.
At the front of the line, a flag was flying in the wind, embroidered with the character '九'.
“Your Highness, we could actually ride flying beasts, or take a cloud chariot. With your status, no one in the vast Xunyang City would dare to object.”
In the luxurious carriage in the middle of the line.
An eunuch thought for a moment and said.
“We’re not here to show off our power. While Xunyang City is not the true core of the Seven Counties of Chang Le, many families are entrenched here.”
“Especially that Blood Brave Hou Cheng Tian Cang!”
The speaker was a young man with an extremely handsome face.
He looked to be only seventeen or eighteen years old.
He wore a black and gold python robe.
His entire being exuded a rich aura of nobility.
“If we could bring Blood Brave Hou under my wing, it would be like adding another arm.”
The young man picked up the tea in front of him, took a sip.
Although he was still very young, his light golden eyes already held a mature gaze.
“Your Highness is wise.”
The eunuch flattered, “Among all the princes of this dynasty, Blood Brave Hou's strength is actually not considered very strong, but his backing...”
The eunuch stopped there.
Because the young man gave him a look.
The eunuch also realized he had been too talkative.
“Besides recruiting princes from the Seven Counties of Chang Le, we should also see if there are any outstanding talents. Our gaze shouldn’t be fixed solely on the older generation.”
The young man put down his teacup, “There’s constant warfare on the border, and many princes have died. These positions have all become vacant, but unfortunately, I have no particularly outstanding individuals under my command. Otherwise, I could ask my father for the title of Hou right now.”
“Your Highness is blessed, you will surely meet them.”
The eunuch quickly said.
“Mm, you can leave now.”
The young man nodded.
After the eunuch left.
The young man sighed softly, a hint of tenderness slowly appearing on his handsome face.
Unfortunately, his mother's family background was lacking.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have to come to the Seven Counties of Chang Le to expand his wings.
Thinking about this.
The young man lightly twirled a lock of his black hair between his fingers.
But he felt it was not appropriate.
He quickly released it.
Restoring his dignified demeanor.