Chapter 829: Easier to Deal with the King of Hell Than His Petty Underlings

At the crack of dawn the next day, Ling Feng roused Li Bufan and the others to set out immediately for Qingtian Fortress.

If he couldn't handle Jiang Biyi, that little witch, at least he could avoid her!

No wonder Ye Xingnan constantly referred to her as "young ancestor"—this little grandaunt was absolutely untouchable!

"Brother Ling," Li Bufan arched an eyebrow with a teasing smirk, "are we really leaving without saying goodbye to Brother Ye?"

Having spent too much time with Yu Sixian and company, even Li Bufan had picked up some mischievous habits.

"Enough. If that little grandaunt throws a tantrum and insists on coming with us, it'll be endless trouble."

Ling Feng rolled his eyes. He had every reason to believe that little witch Jiang Biyi would do anything on a whim.

"

Giggle

..." Mu Qianxue covered her mouth, amused. "So even Big Brother Ling has someone he fears!"

"Fine, I'm scared of her."

Ling Feng hurried everyone along—putting as much distance between them and the little witch before she woke up.

To be fair, Jiang Biyi was more mischievous than malicious, harboring no ill will toward him. But her background was terrifying—even someone like Wei Wuyan, a Human Emperor expert, treated her with deference. That alone spoke volumes.

In short: better not provoke her!

...

Traveling at full speed, the group soon reached the empire's first line of defense at the border—

A sky-piercing monolith of a mountain straddled the boundary line, so colossal its summit vanished into the clouds. Qingtian Fortress derived its name from this natural pillar holding up the heavens.

The Northwestern Army's camp sprawled across these strategic heights—millions of troops ensuring the empire's northwestern border remained impregnable.

"Halt! Restricted military zone!"

Security checkpoints were set up dozens of li away from the main camp, with three-zhang-high watchtowers monitoring all access routes.

As Ling Feng's group approached, guards immediately intercepted them, crossbows drawn. With northern demon tribes harassing the borders, security had tightened considerably.

𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"General," Ling Feng clasped his hands respectfully, "I am General Weiyuan, Ling Feng, here to meet General Yue Tengfeng. I'd appreciate your cooperation."

"General Weiyuan?"

The commander frowned. He'd never heard of any General Weiyuan in the Northwestern Army. Moreover, this kid looked barely eighteen—since when did the empire have such a young general?

"Never heard of you. You reek of spies! State your purpose, or face execution!"

The commander's eyes narrowed. With tensions high at Qingtian Fortress, they'd rather slaughter three thousand innocents than let one threat slip through.

Ling Feng produced his military token. "This is my identity token. Verify it yourself!"

"

Heh!

Even forged tokens prepared—clearly premeditated! Fortunately, my sharp eyes see through your ruse!"

The commander scoffed. "Surrender now, and you might live."

Ling Feng's patience snapped. "I've tolerated your nonsense out of respect for your post. But accusing me without verification? You're either incompetent or deliberately obstructive!"

The saying proved true—easier to deal with the King of Hell than his petty underlings.

"How dare you insult me! Archers, fire!"

Enraged, the commander signaled the attack.

"Hold!"

A one-armed general suddenly ascended the watchtower, ordering the archers to stand down.

"G-General Sun?"

The checkpoint commander paled, hastily bowing.

"Commander Xiao, by your standards, everyone's a spy!"

General Sun reprimanded before spotting Ling Feng below. His eyes widened. "General Ling! It really is you!"

"

Haha!

What a reunion!"

Ling Feng laughed heartily—the one-armed general was none other than Sun Gongming!

"Open the gates! Let General Ling in!"

Sun Gongming immediately ordered the gates raised.

Commander Xiao trembled. "General Sun, that youth—"

"That 'youth' is General Weiyuan Ling Feng, who helped our Northwestern Army resolve the Blood Spirit Corpse crisis!"

"L-Ling Feng?"

Commander Xiao gasped. He'd forgotten—the empire did have one teenage general.

But who could've predicted Little General Ling would suddenly appear at Qingtian Fortress?

"Apologize to General Ling yourself."

Sun Gongming glared before descending to personally welcome Ling Feng.

"General Ling, I never expected to see you again so soon!"

Sun Gongming approached warmly, his gratitude evident. Not only had Ling Feng resolved the Yanbao City crisis, he'd also saved Sun Gongming's life.

"Likewise!" Ling Feng chuckled. Without Sun Gongming's timely appearance, dealing with that obstinate commander would've taken forever.

"But General Sun, why are you stationed here?"

Ling Feng inquired casually.

"

Ah

..." Sun Gongming sighed. "After mistakenly trusting the Blood Sword Heavenly Lord and leading three thousand troops to their deaths in the oasis, even resolving the corpse epidemic couldn't offset my failure. Though spared execution, I was demoted to border patrol."

Ling Feng fell silent. While Sun Gongming bore responsibility, those deaths also stemmed from Ling Feng underestimating the Blood Sword Heavenly Lord's cunning.

"Don't dwell on it, General Ling." Sun Gongming forced a smile. "With my right arm crippled, I'm useless on the frontlines anyway. Guarding the border isn't so bad.

Haha

..."

Though he laughed, the melancholy in his eyes betrayed his true feelings.