Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Since the West Desolate King wanted to test Qin Yu's confidence, Qin Yu would show him!

In the morning of the next day, the Imperial Capital sent a letter to an inn, allowing General Jinwu Ning Qin to depart for the capital right away.

After adjusting and tallying the team, the convoy headed straight for the Teleportation Portal in Seascape City.

The young eunuch did not show his face. Using the cold of last night as an excuse, he boarded the carriage and never came out again.

His attitude was very different compared to yesterday, but Qin Yu did not care. Qin Yu's opponent was the West Desolate King that all of the lords in the Imperial Palace highly respected.

How much status and power could a mere eunuch have in the Imperial Palace? Qin Yu could not even be bothered about this eunuch.

This was the kind of confidence that a Great General of the imperial military should have!

After a few moments, a humming sound could be heard as the Teleportation Portal burst into a dazzling light. The space started to distort and then all of them disappeared in a flash.

When the vibrations all over their bodies and the feeling of traveling through space disappeared, the carriage landed on the ground. They had finally arrived at the outskirts of the capital city.

The guards stationed at the Imperial Capital all bowed and saluted to show respect for the West Desolate King's messenger, and also for the Great General from the West Border Army.

Even though the Imperial Capital's Defense Division only had elites from the army, it was rare for any disturbances to occur in the capital.

Like a knife in its sheath, there was not much use for them at all. On the contrary, it was the troops stationed at the borders who had been fighting endlessly all year round for these last few years. Those who survived were the toughest soldiers.

The low-ranked general of the mine known as Big Head Wang could feel the gazes of his Imperial Capital colleagues on himself. He snorted. He led his subordinates to show off their bravado, as if they were the toughest and strongest warriors!

The expressions of the soldiers from the Defense Division changed as they thought about the strange atmosphere in the Imperial Capital recently. They secretly wondered if General Jinwu Ning Qin was here to take his revenge.

"Cough!"

From the carriage, Qin Yu's light cough could be heard.

Big Head Wang had also noticed the change in the guards' expressions. He thought to himself that there was also an appropriate time for him to show off his prestige and he really had to pay attention to that. Otherwise, if he overdid it, he might be punished.

He made a subtle gesture to indicate to his subordinates to restrain themselves a little. Unexpectedly, his nephew, Wang San, became complacent and did not get the signal. Wang San pumped out his chest, raised his head, and was even marching very loudly. His eyes were looking up into the sky, which was why he did not get the signal.

This made Big Head Wang very annoyed, but he did not want to kick or scold his nephew while everyone was watching.

Qin Yu's mouth twitched, not knowing how this Wang Family's uncle and nephew managed to get the opportunity to return to the Imperial Capital with him.

Their behavior was a joke.

Thankfully, despite the Defense Division soldiers' vigilant eyes, they did not act out. They only watched as Qin Yu and his convoy drove towards the Imperial Capital.

Afterwards, everything went smoothly. An assistant minister from the temple and an assistant general from the military headquarters came over to welcome him in person. Even though it was not a very grand gesture, it was a suitable level of etiquette that he deserved.

The young eunuch finally got off the carriage. His face was pale and his spirits were poor. His whole body was slumped, as if he was really ill. After greeting the various officials, he returned to the Imperial Palace with the messenger convoy.

Qin Yu glanced at him. He frowned slightly and immediately regained his composure. He got off the carriage to chat with the assistant minister and the assistant general.

Even though the atmosphere in the Imperial Capital was weird, General Jinwu was now the target of many people. Until the situation improved, he had to avoid offending anyone.

The assistant minister and assistant general cursed in their hearts as they had been forced to take up this task. Naturally, they were unconcerned when Qin Yu was greeting them.

Thankfully, General Jinwu Ning Qin was rather self-aware, and quickly stopped the superficial conversation.

The assistant minister and assistant general then hurriedly returned home to carry out their respective duties.

Hundred Saint became the one to lead the way. He said, "His Majesty has ordered some people to build a residence for you which was completed not long ago."

The West Desolate's Imperial Capital was naturally the top city in this world. It was luxurious, prosperous, and it also represented the supreme power of the West Desolate King.

After entering the city, they saw countless nobles who came and went. Although this group of fierce border troops attracted some gazes, people mostly just glanced at them, and not once did someone's eyes linger on them.

This made Big Head Wang realize that he was indeed in the prosperous Imperial Capital. He subconsciously restrained a bit of his arrogance. He retreated slightly, willing himself to become inconspicuous.

They reached the General's Mansion.

In the East City of the Imperial Capital, there was a plot of land where vermillion and purple converged. Although the size of the mansion was not large, by looking at the plaques of the house next to it and opposite it, one could tell that this residence was built according to General Jinwu's status. In fact, it was even more luxurious than what someone of his status would have ordinarily gotten.

However, the only strange thing was that this newly renovated and completed General's Mansion had no plaque, which made it look like land that had no owner.

Hundred Saint said, "When the mansion was built, there was news from the Imperial Palace that His Majesty would like to inscribe the plaque in person. However, there was a wave of impeachment against you, which is why the plaque has not been completed yet."

He hesitated slightly before adding, "This is also one of the many reasons why people in the Imperial Capital think that you've lost His Majesty's favor."

Qin Yu raised his head and glanced at the mansion without a plaque, then smiled slightly, "Perhaps His Majesty has not yet thought about what words should be written on it."

Hundred Saint's eyes lit up and he bowed with a smile, "I agree with what you said, General!"

The middle door opened wide, and all the servants that were already arranged to serve here walked out in two lines. They then knelt on the ground and kowtowed to General Jinwu respectfully. Among them, there were countless beautiful female servants who looked like beautiful flowers and precious jade. Their small eyes constantly glanced at Qin Yu, as if they were trying to place a hook on his soul to steal it away.

Qin Yu could clearly hear Rourou, who was still in the carriage, scolding coldly, "A group of shameless little brats!"

The next moment, outside the mansion, the female servants who were trying to seduce Qin Yu suddenly paled and their bodies could not help but tremble.

Amusement in his eyes, Qin Yu waved them away and walked into his residence.

There were carved columns with intricate paintings on them…in short, this house was very well built, and had definitely cost a large sum of money.

However, even though Qin Yu was looking at this luxurious decor, he did not really care for it.

To him, this mansion in the Imperial Capital was just a temporary rest stop. It was not like this was going to be his permanent home.

If Qin Yu really lived here one day, it would mean that this house had become a cage to lock him in.

That would be tragic!

He arranged for the troops from the mine to rest at the side residences, and warned them not to do anything that would embarrass him. When they were at the entrance earlier on, all of them looked at the female servants like tigers and wolves who were looking at their prey, as if they wanted to eat them alive.

Although Qin Yu did not really care what they did, in the West Desolate's Imperial Capital, no one knew if these female servants had been sent by someone else. It was better not to get involved, lest this group of men who had not gotten to interact with women for so many years suddenly become someone else's spies.

Rourou laughed coldly and said, "General, take it easy. Having too many women here can bite you in the ass too." She turned and went to the rear of the mansion, not forgetting to bring some female servants that she personally picked out herself.

Their common feature was that they were all extremely beautiful, and were the best of all the female servants.

Of course, outside of the mansion, they were also the most seductive.

Qin Yu was glad to be left alone, and he believed that Rourou would not do anything to them.

As for whether these servants would cause a ruckus…hehe, if they did not want to make trouble for themselves, they would behave.

He was not worried about Rourou at all.

The sun was in the middle of the sky, and then it hung westward, before starting to set.

Qin Yu raised his eyebrows as his face filled with surprise. Just when he thought that the Imperial Palace would not summon him today, the lanterns all over the mansion were suddenly lit as an imperial edict was delivered.

The unsmiling, old eunuch bowed slightly and said, "General Jinwu, His Majesty has been very busy today. He has just finished dealing with all the trivial matters and has ordered me to come to invite you to his palace."

The old eunuch looked thin and old. He was also trembling as if he could be blown away by a gust of wind. However, at this moment, Qin Yu could feel the old enunuch suppressing himself.

The reason for his acute senses was the 'Soul Seed'. Otherwise, he would not have been able to detect this suppression of aura even though this old eunuch was standing right in front of him.

The West Desolate's Imperial Palace was indeed like a lion's den. An old eunuch, who he had never seen before, actually had such a frightening level of cultivation!

Without any delay, Qin Yu replied, "It won't be good to keep His Majesty waiting for a long time. Let's go."

The journey went smoothly. Before he arrived at the Imperial Palace, even though he had been here a few times already, he was still in awe at the hint of invisible suppression in the air.

"Greetings, General Jinwu!"

The Imperial Palace guards knelt on the ground with one leg to salute him.

Qin Yu nodded, "Please rise."

The old eunuch kept walking until they reached the main gate of the Imperial Palace. Qin Yu was calm as he followed behind. They passed through a large palace, walked down a long corridor and crossing a huge square, before arriving at the place where the king handled government affairs.

The inscription on the plaque read: Hall of Longevity!

The three golden characters emitted brilliance even though it was dark, giving off a mysterious and extraordinary aura.

The old eunuch turned around and said, "General Jinwu, please wait here for a moment. I will go in to report your arrival…"

Before he could finish speaking, a chuckle sounded in his ear, "Okay you old man, you know that I am starving, so why bother?

"Ning Qin, come in. I have been waiting for you."

The old eunuch was neither frightened nor flattered upon hearing the West Desolate King's teasing. He only bowed slightly and retreated to the corner of the palace gate.

Then, Qin Yu discovered that there was another old eunuch who stood on the other side of the palace gate.

This second old eunuch was even older than the first one.

This second old eunuch was like a piece of wood that was filled with cracks, and he stood at the gate with his eyes closed. Not a single strand of his aura could be felt.

When Qin Yu first arrived, he almost did not even realize that there was this person standing right there.

Seemingly aware of General Jinwu's eyes on him, the older eunuch opened his eyes and a burst of light flashed in them, like thunder streaking across the dim sky, especially dazzling at night.

Qin Yu's expression remained calm as he cupped his hands and said, "Sorry to trouble the both of you."

Then, he pushed open the door and entered the main hall.

After walking through the vestibule and turning past a screen, Qin Yu saw His Majesty, who was sitting cross-legged on the futon that was sewn with golden threads. In front of him was a full table of delicious delicacies.

This was the first time that Qin Yu was really seeing the appearance of the West Desolate King. His Majesty's face was rather pale, and he had a slight beard. He was slightly chubby and there was a smile on his face. Yet, the majestic aura of being the ruler of the whole of the West Desolate still made one's heart palpitate.

"Your loyal subject, General Jinwu Ning Qin, greets His Majesty!"

Before he could do a proper kowtow, he was interrupted by the West Desolate King's wave of an arm. The West Desolate King said, "I'm hungry, I'm hungry. Let's eat first. It's your good fortune to be able to have a nice meal today; you're welcome."

Qin Yu paused for a while before saying, "Yes. Thank you, Your Majesty."

Opposite the West Desolate King, there was a table covered with many dishes.

To be able to sit opposite the king and eat a meal together was a great honor.

The West Desolate King picked up his chopsticks and started to eat. "The dishes won't taste as nice when they're cold. I have some things to say to you later, so we shall not drink today."

Qin Yu cupped his hands and replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty."

The West Desolate King smiled and said, "Ruling over the heavens and earth is important, but eating is the most important thing of all. You don't have to stand on occasion. Eat."

After thinking for a while, Qin Yu picked up the chopsticks. He could not really figure out what kind of approach the West Desolate King was taking today, so he could only try and respond to the situation the best he could.

The hall was silent. Only the occasional sound of their chopsticks touching the bowl or their chewing could be heard.

So this was what it was like to meet with the king one-on-one. Such occurrences were probably rather rare. However, now it was easy to understand why there was no one else in the main hall other than two old eunuchs that stood outside by the door.

Come to think of it, the West Desolate King probably did not want too many people to know about their meeting today.

After burping and putting down his chopsticks, the West Desolate King raised his hand to take a sip of tea and looked at Qin Yu who was sitting opposite him, "Is the food not to your liking? It was all made by the best chef in the Imperial Palace and it took many hours to cook all these dishes. I don't eat these dishes frequently either."

Qin Yu replied, "Your Majesty's imperial chef is naturally unparalleled in his cooking skills, but I have something on my mind, so my appetite is not very good."

The king laughed, "So that's the reason. I thought you were used to your wife's cooking, so you did not take a liking to the imperial chef's cooking."

Then, silence. After what the king said, the atmosphere in the hall changed suddenly!

Qin Yu got up to salute His Majesty, "I'm sorry to have caused you trouble, Your Majesty."

The West Desolate King's eyes flashed, "Oh? If you are talking about the matter regarding the Golden Crow Tribe and the Green Willow Tribe, then you have indeed caused me much trouble. There are a mountain of memorials in my study that have accused you of misconduct. It is big enough to crush you."

Qin Yu shook his head and a cold smile appeared at the corners of his mouth, "All these people who have sent memorials to you do not know about your grand plans. They have gotten the wrong idea about me, so naturally, this is not what I'm sorry about."

He then continued, "Back then, after the incident at the Tomb of the Barbarian King, Ye Wangu tried to seize the lantern from me. In order to protect myself, I used the aura of the lantern to lure a barbarian ascetic who was pursuing us, which resulted in Ye Wangu's death.

"This scene was witnessed by a girl brought along by the Night Demon Sect Master named Rourou. She seemed to have an ability to see through people's hearts, and I have always been concerned about this.

"Afterwards, the Later Ye Family started to act against me, as if they had made up their minds that I was the one who killed Ye Wangu…" Qin Yu paused for a while before continuing, "Although, strictly speaking, they did not find the wrong person. But this matter is top secret. Other than me, no one else knows about it. This is why I borrowed 100,000 troops to overwhelm the Demon Sect so that I could forcefully take Rourou away."

The West Desolate King laughed, "That's it?"

"That's it." Qin Yu laughed bitterly, "I know that the Demon Sect is powerful. It is the strongest sect in the world and what I did would inevitably lead to retaliation. It is my mistake, please punish me!"

The West Desolate King nodded, "It seems that your brain is still working and you knew that what you did would cause big trouble. The leader of the Demon Sect has already submitted a memorial to tell me of your actions. I've also heard that the lady from the Demon Sect has returned to the Imperial Capital with you. The leader of the Demon Sect has already rushed down to the capital; he has probably reached your mansion by now."

The West Desolate King laughed coldly and looked at Qin Yu with a half-smile, "Let me ask you, are you anxious right now?"