Chapter 1616: Chapter 69: Running a School_2

The doctor, carrying a medicine box, tumbled and scrambled into the room. After checking the pulse and examining the appearance, he collapsed on the floor.

“Great Elder… Second Elder… died… of fright!”

Zhan Jiao, standing by, turned pale with anger. Despite all his calculations, he underestimated the courage of the two old Zhen Clan heads. They were clan leaders, yet they died of fright without uttering a word. What kind of situation was this!

Seeing the enraged yet silent expressions of the people from Zhen Mansion, Ghost Fox knew there was no point in staying any longer and left with a snort.

With no leaders to guide them, the stewards of the Zhen Family looked at the corpses of the two elders lying on the ground, feeling a chilling dread.

“Quick, find the lady!”

In the midst of the chaos, people finally remembered who was the most reliable person in Zhen Mansion.

Once the stewards finished reporting the situation in the main hall, Zhen Ping’er emerged from the door, her forehead wrapped in a white scarf, and her wedding attire arranged like battle garb.

“Zhen Pan!”

Zhen Ping’er slammed the Naxing Letter into the plump steward’s hand and shouted sharply: “Zhan Clan belittles my Zhen Mansion’s weak, thinking their martial strength allows them to disregard rules and human hearts. Bring this response to Zhan Jingquan. Although I, Zhen Ping’er, am but a woman, I will never betray myself to those who murder my clan’s elders. Return this letter to the Zhan Mansion!”

This demeanor, unrelated to gender, had both grandiose men and women who would not yield to men.

Hearing Zhen Ping’er’s forceful response, the guards and stewards of the Zhen Family felt steadier. Despite the stark disparity in combat capabilities between the Zhen and Zhan families, from the moment the lady of the Zhen Family took position, it seemed, some things had already changed.

…

Longzhou, Unparalleled City

As long as his family was there, that place was Tang Luo’s home, but if asked for a specific address, it would be Unparalleled City on Red Cloud Mountain.

This place was his fief, back when the Tang Clan of Longxi was still the Tang Family of Xiling, this area was his territory.

Even during times of intense suppression of the Tang Clan in Longzhou, the high echelons of the Justice Alliance deliberately spared this crystal city.

Partially because they knew it was the practice ground of a Void Grandmaster, and partially because Du Sha, who led the disciples of Marshal Star Pavilion, made sure all who came to test the waters returned defeated.

For such a barren mountain city, any slightly sensible power would think twice before making an enemy of such a formidable warrior.

Thus, even though Lingjiang’s leadership changed, Unparalleled City remained as grand and magnificent as ever, untouched by conflict.

“I thought we were heading back to Yuanzhou.”

Looking at the still radiant crystal city, Yun Xiu playfully reproached.

“Going back to Yuanzhou would mean hiding in an ice cave!”

Tang Luo declared confidently, “Besides, after gaining so much inspiration from Buddha’s Country, shouldn’t I take a good study? Let’s linger in the city for a year or so, and do some basic research.”

“What exactly does my husband want to study?”

Yun Xiu asked curiously.

“Naturally, how to change the world!”

…

Returning to Unparalleled City once again, the biggest feeling for both was the congestion.

Inside and outside the city, even in caves halfway up the mountain, were crammed with people, and numerous rafts and barges were stopped at the foot of the mountain.

People handling the entrance to the city lined up in long queues, wailing and lamenting.

This was nothing like the crystal city of memory; it had clearly turned into a city of refugees.

Looking at the streets of the fantasy that had suddenly become extremely dirty and disordered, the corners of Tang Luo’s mouth twitched uncontrollably.

Meanwhile, in the council hall of Unparalleled Great Hall, several elders from the Du Family were having a heated argument with the noted scholars of Xiling.

“Lin Chuan has fallen, all of Longzhou is lacking food, and Unparalleled City has limited capacity. Accepting more refugees will destroy years of accumulation. How will we explain when the Lord returns!?”

Du Ting’s face was ashen: “This campaign against Tang in Longzhou is not a natural disaster. These people could have stayed in their city yet they insist on running to Red Cloud Mountain, what’s the logic in that!?”

“Isn’t it because the regulations and laws imposed by the He and Nong families are too harsh? These citizens accustomed to the governance of the Alliance cannot tolerate it.”

Du Wei coldly said: “This bunch of worthless folk are lazy and used to good living, thinking the change of regime would better their lives, and when it doesn’t, they crowd into Red Cloud Mountain again. We should drive these people away.”

Even now, Shen Dafa, though a powerful figure in Fierce Realm, still appeared as unassuming as an old farmer. Facing the tandem critique from the two Du elders, he just moved his lips tentatively, meekly stating: “Most of these people are at their wit’s end and seek refuge at Red Cloud Mountain. Now Master Ou has already led people to work overnight, carving out caves in the mountain; I believe in a few days the crowds will disperse, and the city will not be so congested …”

Although his tone was timid, his attitude was fairly firm. Those who ultimately chose to stay in Unparalleled City were either direct followers of Tang Luo or distinguished scholars of Xiling; the resolve within them was not something that could be overturned by a few words from the Du elders.

Unparalleled City is indeed in chaos, with crimes such as burglary happening incessantly, and more importantly, the grain accumulated over the years is about to run out.

“Even though these people are desperate, we must accommodate them according to our capabilities. Remember, we are the Lord’s retainers, not the masters of Unparalleled City. Did the Lord entrust us with his great enterprise just so you could play at being good samaritans?!”

Du Ling said solemnly, “Currently, more than half of the city’s grain stores have been used up, and the population continues to increase. There’s only so much arable land on Red Cloud Mountain, and Chaochang’s grain boats have been cut off by the Liu Clan. Continuing this way will lead to famine and upheaval!”

In chaotic times, who doesn’t have the ambition to save people from disaster? But ideals must ultimately bow to reality. Despite having many powerful beings from Fierce Realm, Unparalleled City cannot sustain a million lives.

Shen Dafa fell silent, as he knew Du Ling was speaking the truth. Unparalleled City never used to worry about grain, as it was Tang Luo’s territory; whenever the seven cities had a harvest, it was secured by Red Cloud Mountain.

Located in the middle reaches of Lingjiang, Red Cloud Mountain was a hub connecting the seven cities, with a transfer port that facilitated trade just by docking.

Especially after the Tang Clan took over Chaochang, grain prices significantly dropped, making purchasing far more convenient and cheaper than planting.

Consequently, residents of Unparalleled City preferred to engage in boating, fishing, and stone gathering rather than farming.

But who could have anticipated such a drastic change? Longzhou attacked Tang, Lingjiang’s climate changed, turning the once prosperous Unparalleled City into the most awkward place along the banks of Lingjiang.

If it weren’t for the geographical advantage and the transfer dock providing convenience to the ships of the seven cities, Unparalleled City would have completely lost its income.

By that time, Red Cloud Mountain would truly be beyond salvation.

“Drive away all the unregistered people who haven’t landed, and from today onwards, allow no one in Unparalleled City, we can no longer accept refugees!”

Du Ting said coldly, “The elderly, weak, sick, and disabled who entered the city before today must all be driven down the mountain. Unparalleled City is the Lord’s sanctuary, not a charity house for the masses, Shen Dafa, do not forget your position!”

“I… understand!”

Shen Dafa replied with a bitter smile, like an old farmer.

Just as the three elders of the Du Family felt they had persuaded Shen Dafa, a strange female voice echoed from outside the hall, approaching closer.

“We don’t need to drive everyone down the mountain…”

Which ignorant woman dares to intrude into the council hall? The three elders of the Du Family turned around in anger, but upon seeing who it was, they quickly stood up.

“Greetings, Madam!”

“Everyone, please, there’s no need for formalities.”

Yun Xiu waved her hands at everyone, then approached and sat down on the Lord’s throne as if it was her own, pressing her hands in the air and stating, “Please, take your seats.”

…

Marshal Star Pavilion’s location

“Shouldn’t you be in seclusion in Yuanzhou?”

Du Sha, expressionless, said, “How can even a sacred place have false news.”

“Exceptional people always have some privileges that ordinary people do not.”

Tang Luo shrugged and said, “I’m back this time because I have an important task to take care of!”

“What is it?”

“Setting up a school!”

Tang Luo said earnestly, “I want to establish a school the likes of which Xiehe has never seen before.”

“What will it teach?”

“Foundation Building body refining, Spirit Arts techniques, mystical powers, and soul Ccasting.”

“What?”

“The great clans have monopolized the techniques for Soul Casting, I want to open an opportunity in Red Cloud Mountain for everyone.”

“So…”

“Within three days, clear Unparalleled City, notify Master Ou Yu, there’s new work to be done.”

Tang Luo, smiling, patted Du Sha’s shoulder: “Interested in being an instructor?”

“No.”

Du Sha shook his head: “There’s still a lot to handle at Marshal Star Pavilion.”