Chapter 967: Jingwang

Tianmang Fortress, Commander's Tent.

Commander-in-Chief of Three Armies Yuan Tiangang was deep in discussion with his veteran generals, strategizing against the forces of the Three Demon Emperors, when a messenger burst into the tent.

"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief! General Weiyuan, Ling Feng, left Tianmang Fortress last night!"

"Gone?

Hahaha!

" Wang Meng couldn't hold back his laughter. "That brat finally couldn't take it anymore! With all his people reassigned, only an idiot wouldn't have gotten the hint. Heh!"

Beside him, the one-eyed general Li Qing grinned. "Adviser Sun and the Commander-in-Chief's plan worked perfectly. Made him back off without lifting a finger."

Yuan Tiangang slowly withdrew his gaze from the strategic map, stroking his wispy goatee thoughtfully. "It's not that simple. If I'm not mistaken, that boy has gone to Iron Wolf City to find Jingwang."

"Jingwang?" Wang Meng roared with laughter. "What's he gonna do? Cry on Jingwang's shoulder?

Hahaha!

"

To these battle-hardened old foxes, even the Ninth Prince of the empire was nothing more than a figurehead to be sidelined at will. What could Ling Feng possibly achieve by running to him?

Yuan Tiangang narrowed his eyes. "Jingwang is not as weak as you think."

"His Highness Jingwang is a man of patience," Adviser Sun Boce nodded. "Compared to the Fourth Prince, the Ninth Prince has far greater potential to become a true ruler."

"Potential alone isn't enough," Yuan Tiangang exhaled deeply. "Let them stir up trouble. I'd like to see just what changes Ling Feng's arrival will bring to Jingwang."

His eyes were unfathomable, revealing nothing of his true thoughts.

...

Vast mountains and endless forests stretched on without end.

A full day had passed since leaving Tianmang Fortress.

"Ling Feng, where exactly are we going?" Tuoba Yan trailed behind him, feeling more and more perplexed by his actions.

After questioning Vice-Commander Zhao Dabiao the previous night, Ling Feng had slipped out of the fortress unnoticed.

"Iron Wolf City. Jingwang Mansion," Ling Feng replied without turning. "I want to see what's really going on in my 'good brother's' mind."

"And then?" Tuoba Yan blinked.

"We'll see when we get there," Ling Feng shrugged. "Plans never survive first contact anyway."

Tuoba Yan pressed her lips together and said nothing more. But she had a growing suspicion, Ling Feng was brewing something reckless.

That was just who he was. There was nothing he wouldn't dare.

Perhaps that was his charm.

...

"Finally." Ling Feng stretched as the towering walls of Iron Wolf City came into view, a faint smile on his lips.

He had history with this place. Last time, he'd been a lone wanderer. Now, he has returned as a general.

He wondered if General Long Xiao of the Black-Armored Cavalry, who'd repeatedly tried recruiting him, had succeeded the old city lord.

Entering the city, Ling Feng moved with familiarity. His reputation here still lingered, after wiping out the Skull Gang by slaying three of its leaders single-handedly, many still hailed him as a hero.

"I wonder how Uncle Wang from the Tianlin Chamber of Commerce is doing."

He considered visiting but decided against it. Wang Caiwei probably wouldn't appreciate the reminder of certain memories.

After asking directions, Ling Feng and Tuoba Yan soon stood before the lavish Jingwang Mansion.

"Yuan Tiangang really spared no expense," Ling Feng mused. For a borderland city, this mansion was absurdly luxurious.

"Halt! This is Jingwang Mansion! No loitering!" A guard stepped forward aggressively.

"Loiterers?" Ling Feng smirked. "Go ask Jingwang if Ling Feng counts as a 'loiterer.'"

The guard scrutinized him before relenting. "Wait here."

Moments later, Mo Feng rushed out, face alight with disbelief and joy. "Brother Feng! It's really you!"

"I keep my promises." Ling Feng gripped his shoulders warmly. "You've lost weight."

"It's been rough..." Mo Feng's smile dimmed slightly.

"Come in, Brother Feng! I'll have a feast prepared!" Mo Feng's gaze shifted to Tuoba Yan. "Ah, Miss Tuoba is here too!"

Ling Feng gently patted Mo Feng on the shoulder. It was clear that this guy was no longer the carefree, evasive Feng Mo he used to be.

He was royalty, after all. Sooner or later, he had to face the fate that came with it.

"

Heh...

"

Mo Feng chuckled, then led Ling Feng to a side hall. After instructing the servants to prepare a banquet, he ordered everyone else to leave, keeping only a single maid to pour the wine.

The maid was quite charming, dressed in red with bright, expressive eyes that never strayed from Mo Feng.

𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

It was clear she wasn't just an ordinary attendant.

"Hongzhuang has been with me since childhood. She's trustworthy." Mo Feng said softly as he lifted his cup and downed it in one go.

"

Mmhm

." Ling Feng gave a small nod, his gaze lingering on Mo Feng. There was a steadiness in his eyes that hadn't been there before.

He'd made the right choice coming here.

The old Mo Feng would never have shown that look in his eyes.