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On the Bei Zhang Plains, under the watchful eyes of Li Ziye and Wen Xiuru, Bai Wangyu had no choice but to steel himself and step forward. Just as he was about to raise his sword towards the petrified female general, she suddenly let out a piercing scream.
"Ah! Don't kill me!"
Helian Lanruo spoke in terror, "My father is the Great Sovereign of Helian. If you kill me, my father will not let you off."
"The daughter of the Great Sovereign of Helian?"
From behind, Li Ziye's expression changed upon hearing this. Was this the princess?
Hmm… quite the dilemma.
Li Ziye's smile suddenly twisted as he looked ahead at Little Red Riding Hood and shouted, "Old Bai, don't believe her! How could the princess of the Helian tribe possibly be here? She's definitely lying. Beat her up for me."
"Brother Li, you're quite wicked."
Beside him, Wen Xiuru commented, then revealed a similarly twisted smile, whispering, "But I like it."
The two kindred spirits exchanged a glance and chuckled slyly, exuding the sleaziness of villains.
With no one else around, they could finally act arrogantly without restraint!
This was what both Li Ziye and Wen Xiuru were thinking.
"My father really is the Great Sovereign of Helian. I'm not lying to you. Please don't kill me!"
Helian Lanruo, frightened by the two menacing figures ahead, turned her gaze to the only seemingly kind Central Plains man and pleaded, "If you let me go back, my father will reward you."
Bai Wangyu hesitated upon hearing this.
"Brother Li, something doesn't feel right."
From behind, Wen Xiuru whispered, "This princess of the Helian tribe seems genuinely unaware of our identities."
"It does seem so."
Li Ziye nodded, speaking softly, "But if she doesn't know who we are, why would she set up an ambush here? And right after we took down those men, she rushed over with reinforcements. It just doesn't add up."
"Should Brother Li ask her?" Wen Xiuru suggested.
"I won't. I'm more interested in seeing how Old Bai hits a woman," Li Ziye chuckled.
"Heh, me too," Wen Xiuru said with a twisted smile.
"Young lady."
Ahead, Bai Wangyu looked at the woman before him and calmly asked, "Why did you ambush us here?"
Upon hearing his question, Helian Lanruo bit her lip and said, "You people from the Central Plains have repeatedly sent men to plunder the wealth and livestock of our Helian tribe's people. Of course, we have to be on guard."
"Did the young lady make a mistake?"
Bai Wangyu frowned and immediately denied, "The soldiers of my dynasty would never dare to leave the Great Shang border without military orders, let alone offend the people of the Helian tribe."
"Then what are you doing here?" Helian Lanruo asked distrustfully.
"Us?"
Bai Wangyu glanced back at the three men behind him and said, "We are disciples of the Confucian School, ordered by the Confucian Scholar to assist the eight tribes of Desert North in resisting demon creatures."
"Disciples of the Confucian School?"
Helian Lanruo's face brightened upon hearing this, "You are from the Confucian School? I know of you, you are good people."
"…"
From behind, Li Ziye watched the back-and-forth between the two with a look of frustration, "Are we still fighting or what? How did these two start chatting?"
"It looks like the fight is off."
Wen Xiuru also expressed disappointment, as he had been looking forward to seeing how the eldest disciple would hit a woman.
"Old Bai."
Li Ziye called out, "Are we fighting or not?"
Ahead, Bai Wangyu turned back, helplessly saying, "Brother Li, stop it. We're discussing serious matters."
"Boom!"
Just then, from the south, the sound of galloping hooves approached, and Law and Confucianism Instructor led a group of disciples rushing over.
"Well, the main force is here. Even if we wanted to fight, it's not possible now."
Seeing this, Li Ziye spoke in dissatisfaction.
"What happened?"
Before long, Law and Confucianism Instructor arrived and, seeing the Helian tribe's soldiers lying scattered around, furrowed his brows and asked.
"They started it!"
Li Ziye grinned and said, "We were just defending ourselves."
Law and Confucianism Instructor couldn't be bothered with the youngster and turned his gaze to Chen Qiao'er, about to ask more but then thought better of it, directing his attention to the more reliable Bai Wangyu, "Wangyu, you tell me."
"There was some misunderstanding with the people of the Helian tribe."
Bai Wangyu said diplomatically, "They thought we were bandits coming to steal their livestock, so a fight broke out."
"Bandits?"
Law and Confucianism Instructor's brows furrowed, only then noticing the woman in front of Bai Wangyu, "And who might this young lady be?"
"Helian Lanruo, the daughter of the Great Sovereign of Helian," Bai Wangyu replied.
"So she is the princess of the Helian tribe, my apologies."
Upon hearing this, Law and Confucianism Instructor's expression became more serious, and he spoke politely, "I had already sent a letter to the Great Sovereign of Helian not long ago, saying that I would bring my disciples to visit. I hope the princess can lead us to the Helian tribe to meet the Great Sovereign."
"Uncle, are you the Law and Confucianism Instructor who wrote to my father?"
Helian Lanruo brightened up upon hearing his words.
"Indeed."
Seeing the young girl's address for him, Law and Confucianism Instructor's face flashed with a hint of resignation, but he still nodded in affirmation.
"Great, I'll take you to see my father. He has been waiting for you for a long time."
Helian Lanruo said excitedly, then mounted her horse and led the way.
"How boring."
Seeing this, Li Ziye walked towards his horse with dissatisfaction. The old man had arrived too quickly, spoiling all the fun.
On the vast plains, Helian Lanruo led the way, followed by the disciples of the Confucian School, heading towards the Helian tribe.
The endless plains, due to the arrival of winter, had become desolate. The winter on the grasslands was very long, and the herders had to prepare sufficient fodder and water to survive the lengthy winter.
After an entire hour of travel, they finally reached the Helian tribe.
Within the tribe, herds of cattle and sheep were everywhere, and tent after tent stood tall. Regardless of age or gender, everyone wore clothes made from animal skins, very different from the Central Plains.
"Princess Lanruo."
Along the way, the people of the Helian tribe greeted Helian Lanruo with respect.
Helian Lanruo nodded in response, her demeanor very kind, not showing any arrogance or rudeness despite her status as a princess.
The disciples of the Confucian School followed behind, curious about the customs of this foreign land.
Likewise, most of the people of the Helian tribe were seeing people from the Central Plains for the first time. Upon seeing Li Ziye and the others, their faces showed curiosity and wariness.
They had heard that the people of the Central Plains were fierce beasts, rude and brutal, killing without blinking an eye.
It must be said that no matter where, rumors are always the least reliable thing. In the eyes of the people of the Central Plains, the people of the eight tribes of Desert North also had a similar image, living like wild beasts.
"Father!"
In front of the most majestic tent among the many, Helian Lanruo dismounted, ran over, opened the tent flap, and announced, "The people from the Central Plains' Confucian School have arrived."
"Oh?"
Inside the tent, the Great Sovereign of Helian stood up immediately upon hearing this and quickly walked outside.
"Law and Confucianism Instructor?"
In front of the tent, the Great Sovereign of Helian saw the middle-aged man leading the disciples of the Confucian School and spoke.
"Great Sovereign."
Law and Confucianism Instructor greeted him with a polite bow.
"Ha ha, you've finally arrived. I've been wondering when you would come these past few days," the Great Sovereign of Helian said with a hearty laugh as he stepped forward.
"The journey was long, so we were delayed."
Law and Confucianism Instructor also showed a polite smile.
"Please, come inside the tent."
After speaking, the Great Sovereign of Helian looked at the soldiers nearby and ordered, "Have a few men take our friends from the Central Plains to rest."
"Yes!"
Several soldiers from the Helian tribe stepped forward and led the disciples of the Confucian School to other tents to rest.
"Instructor, please!"
The Great Sovereign of Helian looked at Law and Confucianism Instructor with courtesy.
"Thank you, Great Sovereign."
Law and Confucianism Instructor nodded and walked towards the tent.
"Father, I'll also help take care of the guests."
In front of the tent, Helian Lanruo glanced at Bai Wangyu and the others as they were leaving and quickly followed.
"This girl."
The Great Sovereign of Helian was taken aback and then shook his head with resignation.
Not far from the Great Sovereign of Helian's tent, the soldiers of the Helian tribe led the group to their accommodations, arranged food and lodging, and then withdrew.
"Not bad at all."
Li Ziye entered the tent before him and expressed his satisfaction.
This was the legendary Mongolian yurt!
"Are the three of us staying together?"
Wen Xiuru also entered and asked.
"It seems so."
Li Ziye glanced at the two men and asked, "Do you guys sleep peacefully? You don't grind your teeth, snore, talk in your sleep, or fart, do you?"
Bai Wangyu: "…"
Wen Xiuru: "…"
"Young Master Bai, may I come in?"
Just then, Helian Lanruo's voice came from outside the tent.
"Old Bai, she's looking for you."
Li Ziye admired their tent while casually speaking.
"Princess Lanruo, please come in."
Bai Wangyu looked outside and invited her in.
As soon as he finished speaking, Helian Lanruo entered the tent, her gaze falling on the Confucian School's eldest disciple. Her face, full of exotic charm, revealed a beautiful smile, "If you need anything, just let me know, and I'll arrange it for you."
"Thank you, Princess."
Bai Wangyu bowed politely in thanks.
"Are you hungry? Shall I have someone prepare some food for you?"
Helian Lanruo offered proactively.
"No need for now. We'll wait until Law and Confucianism Instructor and the Great Sovereign have finished their discussion, then we'll dine together."
Bai Wangyu smiled.
"Oh, I see. Then I'll have the servants prepare some mare's milk to quench your thirst."
After speaking, Helian Lanruo quickly left the tent to make arrangements.
"Hey, Young Master Bai, I'm so hungry. Why doesn't anyone care about me and Xiuru?"
Li Ziye leaned on Wen Xiuru's shoulder, pretending to be starving, and said.
"Brother Li, you're making fun of me again," Bai Wangyu said helplessly.
"Old Bai, didn't you notice? Princess Lanruo seems to have taken a liking to you," Li Ziye laughed.
"Brother Li, don't talk nonsense," Bai Wangyu immediately denied.
"What's wrong with that? Xiuru, tell me, am I talking nonsense?" Li Ziye turned to the Confucian School's second disciple beside him.
"I didn't see anything," Wen Xiuru said solemnly.
"No backbone. He can't do anything to you!" Li Ziye looked at him with contempt.
"Brother Li."
Wen Xiuru laughed, "The eldest disciple is a handsome man; it's normal for someone to like him."
"Xiuru!"
Hearing this, Bai Wangyu scolded softly, "Why are you joining in the nonsense?"
Wen Xiuru helplessly spread his hands towards Li Ziye, as if to say, "See, rank and status crush people; who can argue with the eldest disciple?"
Li Ziye returned a look of understanding.
As the three talked, Helian Lanruo returned with servants, each carrying something in their hands—fruits, mare's milk, and all sorts of food from the grasslands.
Li Ziye was impressed by the sight.
Look at Little Red Riding Hood's charm; being handsome really makes a difference.
"Eldest disciple."
At this moment, other disciples of the Confucian School saw the scene inside and excitedly barged in, "So the eldest disciple has so much good food here. We didn't have anything."
The disciples of the Confucian School were all close, and Bai Wangyu, as the eldest disciple, was very kind to his junior brothers. So, they had no qualms about barging in, grabbing food, and starting to eat.
Thus, under the stunned gaze of Helian Lanruo, the table was swiftly cleared of its contents.
"Ha ha."
At this moment, Li Ziye could no longer hold back and burst into laughter.
These weirdos wanted to laugh him to death so they could inherit his ranking in the Heavenly Book.
"Why is Instructor Li laughing?"
A Confucian School disciple asked, puzzled.
"I'm not laughing at anything. Eat up, don't be shy. If it's not enough, just ask your eldest disciple for more."
Li Ziye struggled to suppress his laughter as he spoke.
"Is there more?"
The disciple who spoke immediately looked towards their eldest disciple.
Bai Wangyu's mouth twitched, and reluctantly, he turned to Helian Lanruo in the tent and said, "Princess Lanruo, my junior brothers have been rushing on the road these past few days and haven't had a proper meal. Could you please prepare some more food for them?"
"Uh? Sure, I'll arrange it right away."
Helian Lanruo snapped back to reality, agreed, and quickly left the tent.
"Eldest disciple, this princess of the grasslands has a really good temperament."
The disciples, who had their fill, immediately showered him with flattery.
"Just eat," Bai Wangyu said irritably. These guys were not usually so impolite. After coming to Desert North, they all became unrestrained.
"Law and Confucianism Instructor is here."
Just then, someone shouted, and the disciples of the Confucian School in the tent were startled and scattered.
Not long after, Law and Confucianism Instructor arrived at the tent and, seeing the three men inside, said, "Wangyu, Xiuru, the Great Sovereign will host a banquet tonight to welcome us. Later, go and tell the others to be mindful at the banquet. This is not the Central Plains, and customs are different. We must not lose our manners."
"Yes."
Bai Wangyu and Wen Xiuru responded respectfully with a bow.
"Instructor Li."
After instructing the two, Law and Confucianism Instructor turned to the young man from the Li Family and reminded him deliberately, "I'm most worried about you. Here, you must not cause any trouble."
"Instructor, what are you saying? Am I the kind of person who looks for trouble?" Li Ziye said discontentedly.
"If you're not, that's good."
Law and Confucianism Instructor still looked unconvinced.
"Don't worry. As long as no one provokes me, I won't cause trouble. Is that okay now?" Li Ziye reassured him repeatedly.
"Alright, if Instructor Li says so, I'm relieved."
Law and Confucianism Instructor nodded, gave a look to the two disciples to keep an eye on the youngster, and then left the tent.
"This old man has no trust in me at all," Li Ziye complained.
"Because Brother Li has a history of trouble."
Wen Xiuru laughed. Li Ziye's health class was still a painful memory for the instructors, not to mention his breaking into the Eastern Courtyard and beating up Imperial Academy students, among other past misdeeds. It would be strange if Law and Confucianism Instructor were not worried.
"Brother Li, the Instructor is right. This is Desert North; please don't cause any trouble."
Bai Wangyu also worriedly admonished. He knew better than anyone the trouble this guy could stir up. A moment of inattention could lead to all sorts of problems.
"Old Bai, even you don't trust me." Li Ziye clutched his chest, feigning heartache.
"Let's go, Xiuru. Let's inform our junior brothers."
Bai Wangyu ignored the drama king and walked out of the tent.
"Okay."
Wen Xiuru nodded and followed.
"Young Master Bai."
Not long after the two left, Helian Lanruo entered with servants. Seeing that only Li Ziye was left inside, she paused.
"Young Master Bai is not here; only Young Master Li remains."
Li Ziye grinned and said, "Princess Lanruo, keep at it. My Old Bai has been very popular lately. All the noble ladies in the Capital City have their eyes on him. Who knows, he might be snatched away any day now."
Helian Lanruo's face flushed at his words, and she bowed before quickly leaving.
"March peach blossoms blooming…"
Li Ziye hummed a tune in high spirits as he walked out.
Outside the tent, the sky had darkened. The winter days on the grasslands were short, and soon the night fell completely. Fires were lit in front of the tents, illuminating the darkness.
The Great Sovereign of Helian hosted a banquet to welcome the disciples of the Confucian School. A huge bonfire blazed, and the disciples of the Confucian School took their seats, with Law and Confucianism Instructor, the three instructors, and people like Li Ziye and Bai Wangyu at the forefront.
"Law and Confucianism Instructor, please!"
At the head of the table, the Great Sovereign of Helian raised his bowl of wine in courtesy.
"Great Sovereign, please!"
Law and Confucianism Instructor also raised his wine in response.
The banquet began and quickly became lively. Around the bonfire, women of the Helian tribe sang and danced, their figures enchanting, showcasing the unique charm of the grassland women.
During the banquet, Li Ziye gnawed on roasted lamb while enjoying the performances, not uttering a word.
Today, he just wanted to be a quiet, handsome man, to show these people that he wasn't a troublemaker!
Beside him, Bai Wangyu's gaze occasionally fell on the young man next to him, watching him closely.
He must not be fooled by this guy's appearance!
"Great Sovereign, since we're all so happy today, why don't I and the distinguished guests from the Central Plains have a friendly competition in martial arts to liven things up?"
At that moment, a man from the Helian tribe stood up, his gaze sweeping over the disciples of the Confucian School seated at the banquet, challenging them with a confrontational tone.
Here it comes!
Li Ziye's eyes lit up at the words.
Beside him, Bai Wangyu tensed up immediately, watching the man with vigilance.
This is bad!
He's about to lose his restraint!