Chapter 189: The Visit of the Green Bird

The Lu family's courtyard is vast and secluded, with several grand gardens, among which the Zhuoxin Garden, having received six emperors, is the most renowned.
Xu Chuan strolls along the cobblestone path in the Zhuoxin Garden, quietly pondering over some matters.
Nowadays, Hong Xixiang, the number one thug, is almost securely in the bag. If we can also win over Sword God Li Chungang, an old man who is bound to become a terrestrial immortal, along with Xuan Yuanjingcheng, who is not far from becoming a Confucius saint, and Cao Changqing, our country-building will have at least four unparalleled powerhouses above the Celestial Realm.
If both he and Jiang Ni can advance further on this journey and step into the realm of terrestrial immortals, they will be six world-class powerhouses.
The Wu family's sword monument once achieved the feat of breaking through ten thousand cavalry, but if the six of them join forces, it is feared that they can wipe out over ten thousand soldiers in an instant.
Once he is able to solve the problem of consumption of true qi and mental energy, only the six of them can guard the four sides without fear of a million-strong army.
All of a sudden, he recalled the incident when he first arrived in this world and controlled the remaining national luck of the Chu Kingdom, enabling many Chu soldiers to break through.
Perhaps, this issue of consumption also needs to be placed on national fortune.
While considering the matters of founding a country, Xu Zhihu summoned Qingniao and inquired about what had happened along the way.
The Blue Bird has faithfully reported every detail, from leaving Beiliang to the present.
Throughout this journey, thanks to Xu Chuan's presence, there have been almost no disturbances.
The only slightly thrilling battle was the recent battle at Ludi Reeds.
Among them are the elusive Huanglongshi of the Spring and Autumn Triad, the immortal Zhao Xuansu of the Land of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, the notorious Han Diao Temple where even the celestial phenomena can be killed by Xuan, the 11th ranked Wang Mingyin in the previous martial arts evaluation, the Wuluding of the Wu Family Sword Tomb in the Xiwu Realm, the Chai Qingshan of the Dongyue Sword Pool in the Xiwu Realm, and the three Golden Armor at the Vajra Realm. In addition, there are also three thousand elite cavalry troops.
Such a lineup is terrifying, even just hearing about it is enough to make 99.9% of people in this world pale in fear.
Recalling the scenes of the battle that day, even now Qingniao's heart is trembling incessantly.
Xu Chuan's split into two bodies and the elegance of the Heavenly-Man Three Sword technique continue to captivate her heart.
This battle not only made Xu Chuan truly famous in the world, but also made everyone in this group, including Ning Emei, the Fengzi Camp, Lü Qiantang, and others, including her, completely admire and even worship Xu Chuan, treating her as a deity.
And it is precisely because of this that although she was annoyed at the beginning by the other party's frivolousness, now, there is even a trace of being pleasantly surprised.
The resistance she shows is also becoming increasingly powerless.
Xu Zhihu could see the expression on Qingniao's face as she narrated this process, and understood that she may have unconsciously developed feelings for him, but was suppressing them due to their respective identities.
However, being a woman herself, she can also understand.
Especially coming from Beiliang, she carries some of the traits of a martial artist. Such a powerful and terrifying man naturally attracts countless women's pursuit.
Moreover, to be blunt, just the battle at the Reed Marsh has already elevated the prestige of Xu Chuan, the newly crowned King of Qingcheng, to the point where it almost surpasses that of Xu Xiao, the former King of Northern Liang who suppressed the various states.
Because the other party can easily defeat three thousand elite knights and several top-notch experts in the world, in the eyes of countless high-level people, the degree of threat is much greater than that of Xu Xiao.
At least, if one provokes Xu Xiao, even if he retaliates, he has to mobilize troops, make all the necessary arrangements, and with the suppression of the Linyang royal family, the intensity of this retaliation may not be very strong, to be honest.
But if you provoke Xu Chuan, the king of Qingcheng, even the current emperor of Liyang would probably sleep uneasily.
What's more, he doesn't play by the rules. He even killed the formerly titled king of a different surname. Naturally, he wouldn't pay any attention to others.
The officials and generals kneeling outside the city understand this, which is why they behave so subserviently.
After all, who else in the world can produce three thousand elite riders and several experts who are on par with terrestrial immortals to guard them at all times?
Even if it can really be produced, can one really protect their own life?
Moreover, Xu Zhihu recently witnessed the sorcerer summoning that little Taoist from thousands of miles away. Just this mysterious and unfathomable means is beyond the imagination of ordinary people.
The various information in his mind slowly passed through, and Xu Zhihu immediately determined one thing, that is, Xu Chuan can only be a friend and not an enemy.
Moreover, the fact that the other party could summon the little Taoist from thousands of miles away is enough to prove that at least the other party does not have any ill feelings towards her.
Xu Zhihu's gaze fell on the beautiful and heroic face of Qingniao. If he could exchange a friendship with an extraordinary powerhouse for a maid, this deal would be naturally good. Moreover, even the young lady of Beiliang has to marry to Jiangnan for the sake of Beiliang. How can a maid compare with her?
Does she really like the short-lived legitimate son of the Lu family?
Moreover, this girl's mind is uncertain at the moment. Although her loyalty may be questionable, if it weren't for the trust in her heart, she would have been beaten to death by a random stick as such a servant girl. At least, she is no longer suitable to continue to stay by Xu Fengnian's side.
Xu Zhihu smiled softly as he asked Qingniao some questions, already having some plans in his heart.
Meanwhile, the entire Lu residence was extremely respectful at the moment. Not only were the best courtyards arranged for Jiang Ni and the others, but the meals were also exquisitely abundant.
If they were initially afraid of Xu Chuan's reputation, the scene of Xu Leyuan severely injuring Lu Baijie completely frightened the entire Lu Mansion.
Not to mention the fact that they have the unfortunate Lu Mansion's second steward, Zhu Yu, who could lose his head. Though no one mentions it, no one wants to touch that bad luck either.
Xu Chuan walked for half a day and leisurely arrived at his house with the guidance of the people from the Lu Mansion.
At this moment, there was already a figure standing quietly in front of the door.
Dressed in a green robe, thin yet elegant.
The bluebird's eyes were confused, with constant memories of the words Xu Zhihu said.
"Are you willing to die for Feng Nian?"
"I want you to become the woman of the King of Qingcheng."
"For Feng Nian, and also for Beiliang."
...
She was already a devoted soldier, always prepared to sacrifice herself, although the kind of sacrifice she had in mind was somewhat different from what it is now.
She bit her lower lip lightly, and her heartbeat involuntarily quickened when she caught a glimpse of Xu Chuan's figure.
She can do it!
With these thoughts in mind, she looked up and smiled.
This smile, like a blooming lotus, was incredibly beautiful.
Xu Chuan was slightly taken aback, and waved away the Lu Mansion servants who were guiding him. He slowly walked towards Qing Niao and softly said, "Speaking of which, this is the first time I've seen you smile at me, and it looks very beautiful!"
Hearing this, the Bluebird's cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked at Xu Chuan's handsome face, inexplicably reminded of her impulsive actions that night on the Qingcheng Mountain. The gentle and warm touch still lingered on her fingertips.
In the next moment, she made the boldest move she had ever made in her life.
Stepping forward half a step, she reached out and wrapped her hand around Xu Chuan's neck, clumsily and unfamiliarly kissing him.
Xu Chuan was taken aback and immediately transformed from being passive to active, responding with full enthusiasm.
...
In the late night, Xu Fengnian appeared outside the Lu Mansion, with a white horse dragging a cold corpse that had long been bloodless and lifeless.
Now, without Xu Le's attack and with Wang Mingyin as his bodyguard, he is safe and sound, looking confident and full of spirits, enjoying the satisfaction of avenging his enemies.
Xu Zhihu rushed out to greet him at the door, but he only glanced indifferently at the cold, bloody body on the ground and didn't pay much attention to it, warmly welcoming Xu Fengnian with a bright smile.
"Oh, we siblings have caused trouble again!"
The two embraced and spun around. Xu Fengnian chuckled and said, "Anyway, no one can bully you!"
Xu Zhihu tapped Xu Fengnian's forehead and said, "Do you think I don't know your scheming? Even in this mess, you're still thinking about making sister unable to stay here and go back to Beiliang with you, right?"
Xu Fengnian scratched his head and didn't argue. He just looked at Xu Zhihu with hopeful eyes.
Xu Zhihu sighed softly. Her father had made up his mind to rebel. Times change, and staying in this Jiangnan region would be of no use to her anymore.
She looked at Xu Fengnian with a smile and said with a hint of helplessness, "Alright, can't your sister accompany you back to Beiliang this time?"
Xu Fengnian immediately smiled with joy and couldn't contain his excitement.
The siblings chatted as they entered the Lu Mansion. As they passed through the Clumsy Heart Garden, Xu Zhihu suddenly paused and nonsensically said, "I promised Qingniao to the King of Qingcheng, and she is now in the king's room."
Xu Fengnian was stunned, his face changing unpredictably. After a while, he slowly said, "Alright, I will prepare a dowry for her."
He grew up with Qingniao and, at least for now, he has always considered her as his sister. He knows very well that with Qingniao's personality, even if it were his eldest sister's order, if Qingniao truly didn't want to, she would not easily agree like this.
Moreover, at this point, his opinion is actually meaningless.
Since it is the case, why should he continue to do evil?
A faint sadness flashed through his heart and then disappeared without a trace.
Shaking his head, he put a smile back on his face.
The two of them, understanding each other without words, did not mention the topic again, as they continued to talk quietly.
Elsewhere, outside Xu Chuan's room, Shu Xiu leaned her ear against the door, her face flushed, her eyes seductive as if they were about to drip water. After a while, she spat lightly, turned around, and quietly left, twisting her voluptuous waist.
Faintly, there seemed to be suppressed murmurs in the room.
...
After a few days, the entire Lu Mansion, including the entire Jiangnan Road, appeared unusually quiet.
The scenes of scholars discussing and debating were much fewer than usual, and no mention was made of Beiliang or the Green Hills King.
And two days ago, Xu Chuan met with Xu Zhihu and Xu Fengnian. On the one hand, Xu Zhihu's physical condition was temporarily resolved, at least preventing her body from deteriorating, and she returned to a normal level for a woman in general. On the other hand, they also reached an agreement on the ownership of the Qingniao.
When he returned to the room with the Cessation Gun and handed it to Qingniao, there was a bit of sadness in her eyes, but also some relief.
Because, from this day forward, she would no longer be someone's death soldier. As Xuchuan put it, from now on, she would only belong to herself and would not need to put anyone else's life ahead of her own.
...
On this day, a group gathered and left the Lu Mansion.
This group was invited by Xu Zhifu, who was feeling much better, to go to the Baoguo Temple to join in the fun. It was said that there was a famous debate called "Wang Ba" that was well-known throughout the Jiangnan region. Since Xu Chuan was bored, he did not refuse.
Jiang Ni, Zihuo, and Old Swordsman did not go. Qingniao is too tired at night and does not have the energy to go. Xu Le, Chilin, and the two little guys are having too much fun and have no interest in listening to a group of scholars blabbering.
Ultimately, there were only eight people left: Xu Chuan, Xu Zhihu, Xu Fengnian, Pei Nanwei, Shu Xiu, Wei Shuyang, Lv Qiantang, and Ning Emei.
There were still two carriages, Lv Qiantang and Ning Emei were the coachmen for one carriage, Xu Zhihu, Xu Fengnian, and Wei Shuyang were on one carriage, and Xu Chuan, Shu Xiu, and Pei Nanwei were on the other carriage.
In the carriage, Xu Chuan lazily leaned on Pei Nanwei, letting those soft little hands knead his head, while eating the fruits occasionally fed by Shu Xiu, feeling truly decadent.
With half-closed eyes, he took Pei Nanwei's hand and played with it carefully, whispering, "These hands of the princess are not meant for serving."
Pei Nanwei said angrily, "Don't call me princess!"
Shu Xiu approached and jokingly said, "Aren't both the Wangfei of Jing'an and the Wangfei of Qingcheng the same? What's wrong, sister? Don't you want to become the Wangfei of Qingcheng?"
Pei Nanwei blushed and spat, "You vixen, stop stirring up trouble."
Shuxiu nuzzled into Xuchuan's arms, and with her hands touching Pei Nanwei's delicate waist, she smiled and said, "Noble Lord likes this kind of foxy charm, I can do anything in the position that Noble Lord likes!"
Xu Chuan slapped Fu Ren behind her back and said unkindly, "Stop fooling around."
Fu Ren let out a cat-like meow and her eyes shimmered with water, looking charming.
Pei Nanwei secretly hated and cursed: "This shameless and coquettish vixen, though completely soft and powerless, as if boneless, her elegant and charming face brims with alluring charm."
Not long after, the carriage arrived at Baoguo Temple. As it was still early, the temple gate was not yet open. There were many incense worshippers waiting outside, chatting and resting.
At this moment, when Xu Zhihu and Xu Fengnian got off the carriage, most of the people remained silent. Compared to their previous arrogant and uninhibited attitude, witnessing the Northern Liang Prince publicly killing someone on the street and then dragging the body of Mr. Chengzhai a hundred miles into the city and throwing it away, was undoubtedly heartbreaking and infuriating. However, they dared not show it, fearing they would become the next Mr. Chengzhai.
But when Xu Chuan got off the car with Shu Xiu and Pei Nanwei, he didn't keep silent, but trembled all over, his hands and feet were cold, and almost instinctively moved away from them.
These days, Xu Chuan's portrait has been circulating in Jiangnan Road. Almost every literate person has a copy, and the elders in every family are speaking extremely sternly, not allowing anyone to offend this reckless and arrogant Green City King who has no sense of guarding his own fiefdom.
The king of Qingcheng is almost never allowed to leave his fiefdom without any reason, which is a iron rule in the dynasty.
However, this Qingcheng king does not care about this iron rule at all.
The Royal family of Liyang has remained silent, especially after the deaths of Zhao Xuansu and Han Diao Temple, they have become even more silent.
At this moment, the temple gate was tightly closed. However, after Xu Chuan got off the car for a moment, the temple gate, which should not have opened for some time, slowly opened.
Behind the temple gate, several monks came out to greet him, and an old monk with white hair and kind eyes said, "Qingcheng Wang has come from afar, and this old monk has failed to welcome you from afar. I hope Qingcheng Wang will not mind."
Seeing this scene, those pilgrims who were watching from afar were all deeply moved, especially those who knew the identity of the old monk, were even more shocked, gaining a greater understanding of the power of this Green City King.
Xu Chuan looked at the old monk at the temple door and chuckled, "Master, you're being too polite. I've always been kind to others, so don't be misled by those unfounded rumors."
The old monk nodded without saying much, calmly saying, "We have prepared vegetarian dishes in the temple. I hope King Qingcheng can grace us with his presence."
Xu Chuan smiled and said, "Thank you for your trouble. I've heard that the vegetarian dishes at Baoguo Temple are exquisite in this Jiangnan region. Today, I am fortunate to have a taste."
The old monk modestly said, "Your Highness overpraises it. It's just palatable." With that, he made a gesture and said, "Please."