The two soldiers opened the flap of the white tent as soon as they heard Tang Qingshan's voice from inside.

Lu Fengmian looked at Lu Yingyue, nodding his head as he walked in first. As soon as he stepped in, Lu Fengmian could feel the presence of another man within. His eyes quietly shifted, looking for Tang Qingshan. It wasn't hard, his eyes glued onto the man right away before he looked away.

Tang Qingshan looked at the man and woman who had come in. They were both covered in their cloaks, their hood hiding their faces, but Tang Qingshan was able to feel something nagging at his senses. There was something more. He turned his eyes to look at Jiang Nianzhen, whom stood by him awaiting his orders.

"Please take a seat." Tang Qingshan first asked the two to take a seat before he fixed his robes and also took a seat next to Jiang Nianzhen.

"Thank you, General." Lu Yingyue replied in turn as she took a seat with Lu Fengmian sitting too.

Lu Fengmian didn't need to do the talking, Lu Yingyue already had that covered. Now, he used this time to carefully scan the place, and the man by Tang Qingshan who was mostly likely Jiang Nianzhen, Tang Qingshan's good friend and a doctor.

"I apologize if my subordinates have done something to offend you. As we have just recently stepped onto this mountain, everyone's tensions are still quite high." Tang Qingshan first said an apology, his eyes calm.

"There is no need for that, General. It is only normal considering the circumstances at the moment." Seeing that Lu Yingyue didn't reply, Lu Fengmian answered in her stead, his voice soft and mellow.

Tang Qingshan nodded his head at this as he looked at the two whose expression he couldn't see. Pausing for a bit, he finally asked, "Is it alright for us to talk face to face?"

Lu Fengmian glanced towards Lu Yingyue first. Seeing that her hand reached for her hood, Lu Fengmian also began taking off his hood. As he took off his hood, his beautiful face was revealed.

Although there was no noise heard, Jiang Nianzhen's eyes widened with the reveal of their faces.

Tang Qingshan's expression didn't change, but he was still a bit surprised. It was rare to see people who had such looks, even in the palaces where ten thousand beauties resided.

"General, my name is Lu Yingyue, this is my younger brother, Lu Fengmian." Lu Yingyue took off her hood, her face still gentle but also a bit cold.

"I am Tang Qingshan, the Emperor's General and the eldest son of the Tang Family. This is my friend and also my subordinate, Jiang Nianzhen. He is the second son of the Jiang Family." Tang Qingshan introduced himself first before he also pointed out Jiang Nianzhen's identity.

(Jiang Nianzhen (Belief in Truthfulness), 19 years old)

Lu Fengmian watched Tang Qingshan carefully, but he didn't do anything else. For now, he needed to focus on his mission first before he could try to get close to him.

"My brother and I have been living on this mountain for all our lives. Hearing the noise, I realized that there must be people here too. I hope that I did not inconvenience the General and Young Master Jiang with this sudden visit." Lu Yingyue was very formal, her manners also similar to a daughter of nobility.

The same could be said for Lu Fengmian, who unlike his sister, kept a faint smile on his face, perfecting the look of gentleness and the aura that surrounded him.

"Miss Lu, there is no need to be so formal towards us. Please feel free to speak as you wish." Jiang Nianzhen grew fluster with his rather formal title. Spending so many years in war by Tang Qingshan, it was rare that someone would address him like this.

Lu Yingyue looked at Jiang Nianzhen, a light smile made its way to her lips. These people were rather interesting compared to the rumors that spread of them. "Then I will do as you say, please address my brother and I by our names as we will too towards you."

Tang Qingshan nodded his head to show his approval, eyes focused on their demeanor. If he hadn't known, he would've thought that these two siblings belonged to a noble family. Their manners were perfect, polite and also elegant.

"I recently went to the capital and during this time, was able to get news of the unrest that has followed. The Emperor is marrying an Empress, with news of the war still floating. Hence, when I found that soldiers had come to this mountain, I wanted to first ask if you will need help being guided in this place." Lu Yingyue's voice was really soothing, courtesy of being a fox demon, she was able to easily bewitch without trying. Of course, she had toned down everything to as low as possible.

Lu Fengmian knew what Lu Yingyue was doing, and he wouldn't refute. He had to protect Lu Yingyue, but he also wanted to get closer to Tang Qingshan. He also knew that Lu Yingyue wanted to use this chance to get Tang Qingshan's favor, so that once they leave this mountain, they will be able to use his power.

Tang Qingshan didn't show a change of emotion, his being was still calm and relaxed. "It seems like news has already spread. You are correct, this mountain is relatively new for my soldiers and I. We have had some troubles locating materials that we need over the past few days."

"If you allow, then we will be able to help with that." This time, Lu Fengmian put out the offer. His eyes were very calm, but there was a deep gentleness that rivaled his aura.

Upon hearing Lu Fengmian's words, Tang Qingshan thought about it. Supplies were running short and as they weren't able to navigate this mountain as they had planned, it made things more rough. Although Lu Yingyue and Lu Fengmian's appearances were sudden, he was able to feel that they truly meant what they had said. He also felt like he would be able to trust them too.

Jiang Nianzhen glanced at Tang Qingshan, leaning over to whisper into his ear. "Take the offer. We're running out of supplies, it won't be enough to sustain us for any longer. Also, this mountain is hard to navigate, I went out to search for some herbs and nearly got lost. Although their appearances are suspicious, we need their help more than anything."

With Jiang Nianzhen's input, Tang Qingshan didn't hesitate in his decision. After all, the risks were not as high as the gains. Glancing up, Tang Qingshan stared towards Lu Fengmian's clear eyes and Lu Yingyue, whom remained sitting still waiting for an answer.

"Is it alright to ask for your guidance then? If possible, you may stay with us during this time as I will be asking for your help." Tang Qingshan's voice was really calm, it didn't give away his emotion but there was a hint of relief in his eyes.

Lu Yingyue glanced at Lu Fengmian's face, his smile that had gotten wider and more sincere and she nodded her head. "It is of no inconvenience. I have a request in turn to ask though." She would need this man's help for their future.

"What is it that you wish to say?" Tang Qingshan could see how Lu Yingyue had glanced at her brother with a look of determination.

"My brother and I have no parents, having lived by ourselves all these years. I wish to ask for your help, hoping that we will be able to follow you in the future. Though we have never stepped far from this mountain, my brother and I both know martial arts. My brother is skilled at finding medicinal herbs and dispelling poison. I am not as talented, but I have mastered the skill of Shadow Steps. Please, seeking the General's help," Lu Yingyue glanced at Lu Fengmians who understood her glance at once.

Lu Fengmian nodded and Lu Yingyue and him both stood up, getting down onto their knees as they bowed heavily towards Tang Qingshan.

"May the General allow us to follow you!"

Lu Fengmian knew that Lu Yingyue was crafty but he didn't know that she was this sly. It made him awed, but he understood that for her to live this long, she had to have some tricks up her sleeves. With this sudden request, if Tang Qingshan allowed it, then Lu Yingyue and his life will be at peace without their identities being found out so long as they were loyal. If he refused, then Lu Yingyue could also easily get rid of him and his soldiers by tricking them into falling in danger.

Tang Qingshan furrowed his brows as Lu Fengmian and Lu Yingyue bowed down toward him. Even with his side in pain, he hurriedly stood up to pick them up, Jiang Nianzhen hot on his tail.

Tang Qingshan reached for Lu Fengmian, Jiang Nianzhen towards Lu Yingyue as they helped them stand.

"Please, no need for such actions. If it is merely that, then I will be able to fulfill it at once." Tang Qingshan, who had grabbed Lu Fengmian's hand realized that his hand was soft, yet also a bit calloused. It seemed like Lu Yingyue's words were true.

Lu Fengmian's heart wavered as his hand was grabbed by Tang Qingshan, but he kept his expression the same as always. Standing up, he echoed in turn, "The General has always been benevolent, a heart that seeks peace for all. I have heard of this since long ago, but now seeing it in person, the praises do no justice." Lu Fengmian's heart was warm, eyes seeming to melt even more. He felt like a smitten fool in that moment as Tang Qingshan held his hand before he was let go.

"Your praises are too high for someone like me, this is merely my role as the General of Mo Nation." Tang Qingshan couldn't help but smile lightly, lips curving up ever so faintly as he heard Lu Fengmian's words.

Lu Fengmian felt warmth within his heart, a feeling strong and evident. He took away his hand from Tang Qingshan, returning back to Lu Yingyue's side and keeping a clear distance between them.

"Miss Lu, after all that has been said, let me take you to a place where you will be able to rest and stay. Soon, I will have to come and ask for you help." Tang Qingshan could see how Lu Fengmian quietly returned to Lu Yingyue's side after his words. The man was mostly silent, speaking every now and then. But what stood so clear was his impeccable features and the soothing aura that came from him.

"Then I will have to trouble you, General. From this day on, us two siblings will follow your every word and guidance, our life and death within your hands, loyal to only you." Lu Yingyue's mouth was sly, words brimming with sincerity leaked out, eyes with determination shone. It was how she had survived this long.

Lu Yingyue glanced at Lu Fengmian silently, to which he looked over at Jiang Nianzhen, and took something out from a small pouch by his side.

"This is?" Jiang Nianzhen's eyes brightened as he saw what it was, but first and foremost, he asked before jumping to his conclusion.

Lu Fengmian smiled softly, eyes lighting up as he explained, "This is a 200 year old ginseng, found from this mountain just today. We prepared it as a gift, but as it seems that the General is injured, then it will be a good chance to use it." Saying this, he handed the root to Jiang Nianzhen.

Jiang Nianzhen's eyes were filled with a bright light. A 200 year ginseng! It was rare, for even a 100 year old ginseng was considered a treasure and mostly gifted to the Emperor wishing longevity. Jiang Nianzhen held it as if it was a newborn baby.

Tang Qingshan's eyes widened by just a bit. Though not well-versed in medicinal herbs, he understood how rare a 100 year old ginseng was. To be gifted a 200 year old ginseng, he was a bit surprised.

"Thank you for this gift, unfortunately I will have nothing to repay such a treasure." Tang Qingshan shook his head regretfully.

"The General jests, this is simply a gift, there is no need to return anything." Lu Yingyue knew how rare and treasured a 100 year old ginseng was for the humans. For them though, Lu Fengmian was able to search for these easily as they had high senses. Not to mention, Lu Fengmian has spent most of his life searching for different herbs and roots, it was normal for him to find rare treasures on this mountain.

Lu Fengmian's eyes drifted to Tang Qingshan. Although the man was still injured, it didn't seem to bring him any pain.

"Let me bring you to visit your tents first. Nianzhen, tell Hou Li to come."

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"Su Fuchen and Bai Suyu, having betrayed this sect, you will be treated as what has been written down in the sect rules. Forfeit your lives!"

"Cheng'er, run! Don't come back no matter what. Keep this with you, escape and live. Your father and I have tied our lives to this sect. In life or death, we will die here rightfully. My dear child, I hope that you forgive us."

"Chase him down! Fuchen has given him the jade, no matter what, we must take it from him."

"I, Zhu Weilong, having spent all my life seeking the path of righteousness, will bury myself to defend this sect from the hands of you evil fiends!"

"Kill him! Kill all who opposes I, Su Fuwen!"

"Why? How could you kill them all? For this seat, you are willing to kill so many lives in turn. For this seat, you have killed your own brother and his wife, killed even your nephew. For this title, you have killed my husband, your senior brother, Zhu Weilong! I, Liao Hongyui, curse that you will be brought to justice for all that you've done. With this life of mine in exchange, I call upon the heavens to punish you as befitting!"

"Your son's fortune is cast as a great calamity. He will cause the Jianghu world to fall into disasters, be an evil star who causes the deaths of many. Only by being with a man who is able to compare to a dragon king, will he be...."

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