Chapter 518 Hidden News

"Yes," Dugu Bo nodded, "Yan'er has been talking about you a lot recently, and I understand that she has a special feeling for you. As a father, I naturally hope that you can give her a clear answer. She is a tenacious woman. If you have the heart, she will follow you unswervingly; but if you have no intention, she will not pester you anymore."

Lu Yu lowered his head, as if thinking about something. He and Dugu Yan had known each other for many years, and their relationship was not just that of a master and a disciple, but also a lot of friendship. However, he had never expressed any feelings beyond a master and a disciple to her, nor had he thought about whether to take that step. After all, cultivation was his only goal, and feelings seemed to always be a topic he avoided talking about.

"I..." Lu Yu paused and took a deep breath, "Senior Dugu, Yan'er is a very outstanding woman, and I respect her very much. However, the path of cultivation is difficult, and I dare not promise anything easily."

Dugu Bo's eyes became deep. He stared at Lu Yu with a hint of expectation and helplessness in his eyes: "Lu Yu, I don't force you to promise her anything, but please give her a clear attitude. She deserves a better future, and you are not only a cultivator, you are also a responsible man."

Lu Yu was silent for a moment, his eyes became firm: "Senior Dugu, I will think it over carefully." He raised his head, his eyes revealed a trace of determination, "No matter what, I don't want Yan'er to get hurt."

Dugu Bo looked at him and nodded slowly: "Okay, in that case, I won't urge you anymore. You make your own decision."

There was silence in the air for a moment, then Lu Yu stood up and bowed to Dugu Bo: "Senior Dugu, I'll take my leave first."

"Go." Dugu Bo waved his hand gently and watched Lu Yu leave.

The moonlight sprinkled in the yard, and Dugu Bo's figure still stood there, his eyes deep, as if waiting for something. This question will have an answer sooner or later.

The morning sun shone through the window onto the carriage carpet, and the interlaced light and shadow made the carriage look exceptionally bright. The Imperial Exchange Group was now traveling on a flat road, with the guards in front and behind riding tall horses, their armor flashing coldly in the sun, looking exceptionally majestic.

"Your Highness, the Bluestone City is ahead." A guard leader rode closer and reported in a low voice. His eyes were respectful, but with a hint of worry, "According to the spies, the city lord has prepared a welcoming ceremony with high standards."

Sitting in the middle of the carriage was a young man in aristocratic formal attire. He narrowed his eyes slightly, tapped his knees with his fingertips, and seemed to be thinking about something. He was the leader of this imperial exchange group, the fourth prince Dai Yunchen.

"Well, a high-level reception is to be expected. After all, this is a critical moment in the relationship between the two countries." Dai Yunchen chuckled and glanced at his deputy beside him, "Uncle Chen, pass the order down. Everyone should pack up and prepare to enter the city."

"Yes, Your Highness." The deputy, Steward Chen, took the order, opened the curtain of the carriage and quickly gave orders.

"Your Highness, do you think Qingshi City will test our strength under the pretext of reception like the previous cities did?" The woman sitting nearby spoke. She was Dai Yunchen's personal bodyguard and also an important adviser in the team. Her name was Su Qian.

"We are definitely testing the waters, but don't forget that our goal is to demonstrate the majesty of the empire." Dai Yunchen's eyes were deep, and his smile was not visible. "The closer we are to the buffer zone, the more sensitive the eyes of all parties will be. We must respond with caution."

"Your Highness is indeed far-sighted." Su Qian smiled slightly, with admiration in her eyes.

Soon after, the convoy slowly drove into Qingshi City. Both sides of the city gate were filled with welcoming citizens, and the ceremonial procession of the City Lord's Mansion stood in the center, led by the Qingshi City Lord Zhao Quan. He was dressed in a gorgeous robe and greeted them with a big smile.

"City Lord Zhao, I have long heard of your great name." When Dai Yunchen got off the carriage, he had a decent smile on his face, and his tone was gentle but with the majesty of a superior.

"Your Highness the Fourth Prince is so kind. It is the supreme honor for our Qingshi City to welcome your Highness and the exchange group from the Empire!" Zhao Quan bowed hurriedly with a loud voice, obviously trying to appear respectful.

Dai Yunchen nodded slightly, and calmly looked around the procession of the City Lord's Mansion, secretly memorizing various details in his mind. Then, he smiled and said, "It has been a bumpy journey, and the Lord City Lord has welcomed us so warmly. We are grateful, but we still need a quiet place to rest for a while. I wonder if the Lord City Lord has prepared it?"

"Of course, of course. The City Lord's Mansion has already prepared the best courtyard. Please follow me, Your Highness." Zhao Quan waved his hand hurriedly, and the attendant beside him immediately stepped forward to lead the way.

After entering the City Lord's Mansion, Dai Yunchen nodded and praised the accommodation. The courtyard layout was clever, both private and spacious, and it was very suitable for the status of the royal delegation. After he ordered the servants to arrange it, he turned to Zhao Quan and said, "The City Lord must have been very tired to come all the way to welcome you. I wonder if a banquet has been arranged tonight? I hope to discuss some things with the City Lord as soon as possible."

"Your Highness is indeed straightforward!" Zhao Quan laughed. "The City Lord's Mansion will host a banquet tonight to welcome you all. Some local officials and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce will also attend."

"That's great. I'd better obey your command respectfully." Dai Yunchen nodded with a smile.

After returning to the room, Su Qian walked in, frowned slightly and said, "Your Highness, the layout of this City Lord's Mansion seems impeccable, but the defense seems too weak. Is there another meaning?"

"You noticed it too?" Dai Yunchen said softly, picking up the teacup and taking a sip. "Zhao Quan is not a simple person. He seems respectful on the surface, but there is no expert in his City Lord's Mansion. This is unreasonable."

"So what do you mean?" Su Qian's tone tightened.

"Keep calm, we'll see what happens at the banquet tonight." Dai Yunchen put down the teacup, his eyes flickering, "I'm afraid this Bluestone City hides some unknown secrets."

The evening banquet arrived as scheduled, and the City Lord's Mansion was decorated with lights and was extremely lively. In the hall, people were toasting each other, and Zhao Quan raised his glass to introduce the members of the Empire Exchange Group to everyone, his words were full of praise.

"Your Highness, I wonder what your plan is for bypassing the Star Dou Great Forest and entering the buffer zone this time?" A local official asked tentatively during the banquet.

"The Xingdou Great Forest is extremely dangerous, so we must avoid it." Dai Yunchen's expression remained unchanged, and his tone was light. "As for the buffer zone, we are here for a friendly visit and have no other intentions."

As soon as these words came out, Zhao Quan's eyes flashed with a strange look, but he immediately concealed it, raised his glass and smiled, "Your Highness is right, peace between the two countries is the most important."

After three rounds of drinking, Dai Yunchen suddenly stood up, his eyes swept across the room, and he spoke in a calm voice: "I am very grateful for the hospitality of the City Lord today, but there is something I have to say."

Zhao Quan's heart tightened when he heard this, but his face was full of smiles: "Your Highness, please speak."

"As I traveled along the way, I noticed that the City Lord's Mansion was laxly guarded. I wonder if it's out of trust in our empire, or if there are other considerations?" Dai Yunchen suddenly changed the subject, his tone suddenly becoming sharp.

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall fell silent and everyone held their breath.

Zhao Quan's expression changed slightly, but he soon regained his smile and said humbly, "Your Highness has misunderstood. Qingshi City is located inland and has always been peaceful, so the defense is a bit loose. But if necessary, we can always strengthen it."

Dai Yunchen stared at Zhao Quan for a moment, then smiled: "That's good. Come on, continue drinking!"

The atmosphere became lively again, but the parties involved were obviously more cautious. After the banquet, Dai Yunchen returned to the room, and Su Qian immediately stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, I'm afraid your question has made Zhao Quan completely nervous."

"This is exactly the effect I want." Dai Yunchen smiled softly, his eyes deep, "The next step is the highlight."

In the early morning, the road was covered with mist, and the wheels of the carriage rolled over the cobblestones, making a rhythmic "creaking" sound. Inside the carriage, several people sat quietly, and a sense of tension filled the air.

Xue Qinghe slightly lifted the car curtain and looked at the vaguely visible city wall in the distance, with a trace of deep thought in his eyes. He turned around and looked around at everyone in the car, and finally his eyes fell on Lu Yu who was sitting in the corner.

"Lu Yu," his voice was gentle but carried a certain unquestionable majesty, "The territory ahead is the Xing Luo Empire. Once you enter, you must pay extra attention to your safety."

Lu Yu raised his head and raised his eyebrows slightly: "Your Highness, are you worried that we will encounter some danger?"

Xue Qinghe nodded, his tone more serious: "The Xingluo Empire is different from Tiandou. The people here act more directly, even tough. Whether you or anyone else, don't easily conflict with the locals."

Ning Rongrong couldn't help but interrupt: "Brother Qinghe, are you a little too cautious? This is not the first time we have gone on a long journey. Besides, with you here, who dares to mess with us?"

Xue Qinghe smiled slightly upon hearing this, but there was a hint of helplessness in his tone: "Rongrong, this time is different. The Xingluo Empire has always been vigilant against outsiders. Once the identity of our Tiandou royal family is exposed, it may cause unnecessary trouble."

"That makes sense," Dai Mubai supported his chin with one hand and analyzed calmly, "The relationship between the royal family and the nobles of the Xingluo Empire is complicated. If we rush in rashly, we will indeed become a target."

"Xiaobai is right," Zhu Zhuqing nodded and agreed in a low voice, "Especially since some of us have a direct relationship with Xingluo." She shifted her eyes slightly and swept over Dai Mubai.

Xue Qinghe noticed her movements and nodded slightly: "Zhu Qing is right. This is exactly why I want to remind you. Dai Mubai, do you have any unfinished grudges in the Xingluo Royal Family?"

Dai Mubai's eyes flashed with complexity, but he shook his head gently: "There is no grudge, but...if I meet someone I know, it may be a bit troublesome."

Lu Yu noticed Dai Mubai's hidden worries and frowned, "Your Highness, it seems that we should be more cautious about our schedule? For example, reduce our appearances?"

"This is necessary," Xue Qinghe nodded in agreement. "We will try to keep a low profile and avoid attracting unnecessary attention. However, everyone needs to be prepared just in case. If an accident does happen, remember, evacuate safely first."

"Evacuate?" Oscar scratched his head, with some confusion in his tone, "Your Highness, do you mean...even if we encounter the enemy, we won't fight back?"

Xue Qinghe shook his head and said calmly: "It's not that we won't fight back, but we are assessing the situation. If the opponent is too strong or the situation is unclear, we must prioritize our own safety. This mission is not to fight, but to investigate."

"Your Highness has really thought it through." Ma Hongjun grinned, "However, I think with so many of us, we should be able to handle it if we encounter any trouble, right?"

Xue Qinghe turned his gaze to Ma Hongjun, his tone calm but with a hint of warning: "Hongjun, self-confidence is a good thing, but arrogance can easily lead to problems. The Xingluo Empire has no shortage of powerful spirit masters, not to mention those hidden families and sects. What we need to do is to try our best to avoid becoming a target."

"I understand." Ma Hongjun touched his nose and said no more.

The atmosphere eased slightly, and Ning Rongrong looked at Xue Qinghe with some worry in her eyes: "Brother Qinghe, what about you? Your identity is the most sensitive. If something really happens, how can we protect you?"

Xue Qinghe was slightly startled when he heard this, then he showed a gentle smile: "Don't worry about me. As long as everyone cooperates and doesn't make things worse, I will naturally find a way to deal with it."

Lu Yu did not relax, and looked at Xue Qinghe steadily: "Your Highness, can we know what the real purpose of entering the Xingluo Empire is this time? Or, is there any hidden news?"

Xue Qinghe was silent for a moment, and finally sighed: "Lu Yu, you are really sharp. This time it is indeed not just an inspection. My mission involves some royal secrets. I'm sorry, I can't reveal too much, but I assure you that this will not endanger your safety."

"Since Your Highness has said so, we won't ask any more questions." Lu Yu nodded, but the caution in his eyes did not disappear.

At this time, there was a sound of horse hooves outside the car, and it seemed that another convoy was passing by. Xue Qinghe lowered the car curtain and whispered: "Remember, from now on, we must be careful in every move. We must remain calm at all times and not be provoked."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and the carriage fell silent again. Everyone was silently adjusting their state of mind.

As the dusk deepened, the sunset glow gradually faded, and the campfire in the camp began to flicker. Lu Yu squatted quietly beside the fire, skillfully turning a piece of freshly roasted meat in his hands, and the aroma was overflowing. The heat wave of the campfire hit him, but Lu Yu remained calm, his movements were extremely focused, as if this piece of meat was his whole world.

"Lu Yu, this smells so delicious! How did you roast it? Teach us!" Hu Yanli strode over, staring at the golden roasted meat.

Without even raising his head, Lu Yu said calmly: "You can learn if you want, but don't think you can eat for free. You have to follow the rules."