Chapter 1033: Reunion with Disciples After One Year
Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Tang paused for a moment. “By the way, have you heard of Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang?”

Xia Yuncheng gave Chu Tang a surprised look. “They’re in the Xia camp, but they don’t know it’s the Xia camp.”

Chu Tang and Zeng Huo, “…”

With no more questions, Chu Tang and Tang Jinghong left the restaurant and immediately headed for the Xia camp on the border of Chen’an.

Chu Tang held Tang Jinghong’s hand and used a spell to speed up their journey, reaching the border by midnight.

They landed on a cliff near the camp to observe.

Tang Jinghong took in the sight of countless tents reflecting the moonlight, stretching far into the distance. “There are about fifty thousand troops here. Xia Sang Kingdom has clearly been preparing for war.”

Chu Tang admired their cunning. “Using Chen’an’s military camp to disguise Xia Sang’s soldiers—if Xia Yuncheng hadn’t told us, we wouldn’t have suspected a thing. If they attack, Dalin will be caught off guard.”

Tang Jinghong felt relieved. “Luckily, you won Xia Yuncheng over. Otherwise, who knows when we’d have discovered this.”

Chu Tang frowned. “Jinghong, is there any way to make Xia Sang Kingdom withdraw their troops?”

Tang Jinghong had some ideas but couldn’t make such decisions alone. “I’ll report this to the court and see what the emperor says.”

Chu Tang nodded. “Make it quick.”

“I will,” Tang Jinghong assured.

Chu Tang said, “Jinghong, I’ll get my disciples out of there. If they find out they’ve been working for the Xia camp, they’ll be devastated.”

“I’ll go with you,” Tang Jinghong said. “I can also check their military arrangements.”

They flew down to the camp, their ghostly figures landing silently nearby.

With fifty thousand soldiers, Chu Tang dared not act rashly. They hid in the darkness, waiting for an opportunity to slip into the camp. Chu Tang took the chance to restore his spiritual energy.

Inside a tent, Bao Linjiang walked in. “Hongjun, how’s it going?”

A large table filled with bottles, jars, various herbs, and medical books dominated the tent. Yuan Hongjun stood at the table, focused on his task. “We’ll know soon.”

In the center of the table sat an alchemy furnace, with a small fire beneath it slowly dying down. A fresh herbal fragrance filled the tent, refreshing and invigorating.

Bao Linjiang watched nervously. They’d been working on this remedy for smallpox for over six months, and it was nearly ready.

If successful, their medicine would revolutionize treatment, eliminating the need for boiling and increasing effectiveness tenfold.

Yuan Hongjun remained calm but his palms were sweaty, eyes fixed on the furnace, fearing any mistake.

The fire finally went out. Yuan Hongjun waited a moment, took a deep breath, and opened the furnace lid. A stronger herbal scent wafted out, and he smiled—success.

The furnace held a significant amount of medicinal paste, which, once cooled, could be formed into pills.

“How is it?” Bao Linjiang asked eagerly.

“See for yourself.” Yuan Hongjun’s expression remained neutral, making Bao Linjiang hesitate, fearing failure.

“Better to know than not,” Bao Linjiang muttered, leaning in.

“You’re too mean, scaring people like that,” Bao Linjiang sighed in relief upon seeing the successful paste.

Yuan Hongjun grabbed a nearby cup of tea and took a long drink. “Little Bao, do you think Master will praise us for this?”

“Of course, she will,” Bao Linjiang smiled.

“I wonder how Master’s doing. It’s been almost a year since we saw her.” Yuan Hongjun’s eyes showed a hint of longing.

“Master’s probably doing great,” Bao Linjiang missed her too.

Yuan Hongjun grew impatient. “What’s going on here? It’s like a bottomless pit. No matter how many we treat, the smallpox keeps spreading. When will we ever go home?”

Bao Linjiang agreed. “Our letters never get a reply. Who knows where they end up?”

Yuan Hongjun looked at Bao Linjiang. “I want to go back.”

Bao Linjiang nodded emphatically. “Me too.”

They sighed in unison. Returning home would take three months round-trip, and the general wouldn’t permit it.

Two soldiers walked in, and with a flash of light, they transformed into Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong.

Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang were about to speak when they saw the familiar faces and froze in shock.

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Surprised to see us?”

They immediately bowed, “Greetings, Master.”

“Stand up.” Chu Qingzhi helped them up, examining them closely. “You’ve grown taller, more mature, and handsome.”

“Master, stop teasing us,” the disciples said, embarrassed by her praise.

“I’m serious,” Chu Qingzhi smiled.

“Master, how did you and Brother Tang get in like this?” Yuan Hongjun asked, puzzled. As members of Dalin’s noble family, they should have been formally received, not sneaking in.

Tang Jinghong explained, “Because this is the Xia camp, not the Chen’an border camp.”

The news hit them like a thunderbolt. Yuan Hongjun’s mind went blank.

“Brother Tang, you must be joking,” Yuan Hongjun couldn’t believe it. If this was the Xia camp, what had he and Bao Linjiang been doing all this time?

“It’s true. We’re here to take you away. Don’t be too upset. Xia Sang soldiers are disguised as Chen’an troops. Without inside information, we’d never know,” Chu Qingzhi said.

Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang turned pale. Serving the enemy was akin to treason.

“Master, what should we do?” The revelation was overwhelming, and they were at a loss.

“Pack your things. We’re leaving now.” Chu Qingzhi infused her voice with spiritual energy to calm them.

They snapped out of their shock and hurriedly gathered their belongings.

They didn’t need much. Most of their things belonged to the Xia camp. They only took the medicinal paste.

With everything bundled up, the four of them left the camp.

Chu Qingzhi shook her bell, and those who heard the chime lost their senses, clearing a path for their escape.

Just as they left the camp, someone noticed Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang were missing, and the general sent soldiers to pursue them.