In the room.

The two looked at each other for a long time.

Finally.

Mi Xingli sighed softly, "Brother Ying, take care of yourself!"

"Don't worry!"

Ying Wuji nodded, his eyes turned and said, "By the way... what about the wet nurse? You called me over to discuss it just now..."

"Get lost, pervert!"

Mi Xingli gave him a disdainful look, then ran away, took a rare look at the sleeping baby, and then smiled and bid farewell to Bai Yi.

After all, this was the place where Ying Wuji's family enjoyed their happiness.

She didn't belong here for the time being.

After he left.

Ying Wuji ran to the baby's crib, ready to pick up the child and show some affection.

But unexpectedly, as soon as he reached out, Bai Yi slapped his hand hard on the back.

Ying Wuji winced in pain and grimaced, "Mother! Why did you hit me!?"

Bai Yi glared at him, "I finally managed to coax this little demon to sleep, what if you wake him up?"

Ying Wuji had to awkwardly retract his hand.

The fact was indeed so.

This little guy's innate talent was too good, having stayed in Tang Tang's belly for ten months, he absorbed nearly half of her essence and had an incredibly vigorous energy.

He started crying from birth, kicking his legs while crying, and cried and kicked for three hours before getting tired, then after feeding, he regained his strength and continued crying and kicking.

It took a whole day for him to finally fall asleep.

With such an extraordinary physique, wouldn't he outshine Ying Wuque?

But now Ying Wuji didn't care about the so-called extraordinary physique. He didn't even want to become a dragon or a phoenix, and he didn't have high expectations for his own child. He just wanted to live a happy life in this lifetime.

Of course.

The premise of a happy life was not to make himself, as a father, unhappy.

At least for now.

He should sleep quietly for a while, so as not to cause trouble for anyone. If he cried, no one would be able to rest well.

Ying Wuji looked at the little one, who was still a bit dry and listless just after birth, and just wanted time to pass quickly so that he could become a handsome child like his father.

There was plenty of parent-child time.

But it passed quickly.

After a while, everyone else left to attend to their business. After all, they would have to return to Jiangcheng in a few days, and there was a lot to prepare for here.

Bai Zhi still wanted to play with the baby.

But she was ruthlessly dragged away by Bai Yi to change the baby's diaper together.

Bai Zhi felt wronged, pointing to the large wet spot on her clothes, saying that she was the diaper.

But her pitiful act was of no use, and she was still dragged away by Bai Yi.

So there were only three of them left in the room.

Ying Wuji carefully moved the baby's crib over and then sat on the bed, gently kissing Li Caimei's cheek, and smilingly pointing to the little one beside her, "Tang Tang, your most common dream has come true."

Li Caimei gave him a reproachful look, but her lips curved slightly upwards.

She had always thought of herself as a common woman.

Taking care of her husband and children, carefree and worry-free.

Now that she had a son, her life...

She furrowed her brows lightly and leaned against Ying Wuji, sounding a bit worried, "But can we really live in peace?"

Ying Wuji smiled, "We should be able to!"

"But..."

Li Caimei sighed softly, "But have you seen the way the king looks at me?"

Ying Wuji fell silent.

Li Caimei pursed her lips, "To this day, I have always thought that the king is a very good person and a very magnanimous monarch. I have been in the palace for many years, and the royal family has always treated me well. I even thought that he truly regarded me as his daughter, because the way he looked at me was just like how he looked at his daughter.

But...

As my belly slowly grew, there was no movement from Zhao Ning's side, and his gaze gradually changed."

Ying Wuji nodded, softly saying, "Hmm."

Because the situation was indeed like this.

The light in one's eyes couldn't deceive people.

But he still gently stroked Li Caimei's cheek and said with a smile, "You don't need to worry so much. I have a plan for all these things. No matter what, you and your son will be fine."

"Of course we will be fine!"

Li Caimei's voice was a bit excited, "Our child, no matter if he is a Ying or a Zhao, is still the Emperor's descendant. How many cases of the son inheriting from the father are there in this world?

I shouldn't have said so much.

But all the royal families in the world are like this, how can I be at ease?"

The son inherits from the father.

Ying Wuji's gaze slightly hardened, because this was indeed the best choice.

He trusted Zhao Ji and was willing to trust him.

But if he put himself in the king's position of Li Kingdom, if he wanted to preserve the Zhao family's power to the greatest extent and in the most secure way, the best choice would also be for the son to inherit from the father.

Be cautious, wait until Zhao Ning's child is born, and then appoint a crown prince.

On a larger scale, make this child of the Zhuanxu Emperor's lineage the crown prince, and then arrange for a royal family girl to be the queen.

In fact, whether the child has the blood of the Zhao family is not that important.

What's important is whether his and the Bai family's influence can affect the political power of Li Kingdom.

That's why he said "mother and son are safe" just now.

Because the problem never lay with Tang Tang and the little one.

The crisis only lay with himself and the Bai family.

Mi Xingli had just hesitated to speak, and what she wanted to say was probably about this matter.

But...

Ying Wuji smiled and caressed her face, "Pregnancy makes one silly for three years. Do you think of things that I can't think of?"

Li Caimei was stunned for a moment, and the worry in her eyes dissipated a bit.

In her heart.

Ying Wuji might not be omnipotent.

But he was definitely someone she could trust wholeheartedly.

As long as he said there was no problem.

Then there definitely was no problem.

At that moment.

"Waaah, waaah..."

The baby's loud crying rang out.

He had just settled down for a while, and now he was crying again.

"He's hungry!"

Li Caimei was both distressed and anxious, "Quick, hand him to me!"

Ying Wuji was a bit flustered too, "Hey hey hey! Okay!""Are you trying to kill the baby? You're supposed to hold a child, not a sword!"

"Sigh!"

After a while, it became quiet again.

Perhaps the embrace of the mother was particularly comforting, and this time, after finishing the milk, the baby did not continue to fuss, but turned over and fell asleep again.

Li Caimei, as a new mother, although her actions of holding the child were more skilled than Ying Wuji, she was still somewhat stiff, afraid that she would do something wrong and make the baby uncomfortable.

She was also a little worried: "I need to make up for it."

Ying Wuji: "How about..."

Li Caimei glared at him: "If you mention letting Mi Xingli be a wet nurse to me, I'll kill you."

Ying Wuji grinned: "I'm just trying to see you working hard..."

"Cut it out!"

Li Caimei snorted lightly: "Who among you needs a wet nurse? I know very well. You all can't get enough..."

Ying Wuji: "..."

...

Another month passed.

The demonic troubles in the Kingdom Chu became more severe, but they still gritted their teeth and did not seek help from other countries.

After all, it was an old and powerful country. If they couldn't even solve the demonic troubles, it would be a real loss of face.

As for the Great Li Kingdom.

It was still peaceful.

There were signs of a bountiful harvest in the fields, and recruiting soldiers from all over the country was extremely smooth. The training of new soldiers was also in full swing, and they would be able to officially join the army in another month or two.

Zhao Ning, who had just had a son, also returned to the court when the child was about to be a month old, accompanied by the son-in-law of the Great Li, Ying Wuji.

This news excited the entire Zhao family.

It would take another two days for the main force to arrive at Jiangcheng, and the Zhao family's ancestral ceremony was ready. It was the tradition of the Zhao family to register the name of the child in the family tree when the baby was a month old.

This was the body of Emperor Zhuanxu!

The innate body of Emperor Zhuanxu!

In recent years, the good news from the Zhao family had been one after another, showing signs of dominating the world.

But the imminent division of the Great Li Kingdom still made the elders of the Zhao family somewhat uneasy.

However, this newly born baby was like a strong heart pill, making everyone feel at ease.

The destiny is with the Li Kingdom!

It's a done deal!

As for the groundless rumor that "the prince is actually the offspring of Ying Wuji," who cares!

Even if it was Ying Wuji's child, would Zhao Ji agree to the baby being born?

What's the point?

In addition to the ancestral ceremony, the team welcoming the return of the prince to Jiangcheng outside the city gate was also extremely large.

Groups of tall and mighty men of the Zhao family were eagerly waiting at the city gate.

The first row was all old men.

Even if they had high military achievements, the younger ones had to stand at the back.

After all, this was the most important event for the entire Zhao family.

Standing at the forefront was the King of the Great Li and the head of the Zhao family, who was also the grandfather of the baby—Zhao Ji.

At the end of the road.

A convoy came rumbling in.

Two carriages, one after the other.

The leading carriage naturally carried the prince's family of three.

"He's here, he's here!"

The elders of the Zhao family were all excited, rushing forward with Zhao Ji.

After the carriage stopped.

Zhao Ning held the baby in one hand and was supported by Li Caimei with the other. The two of them got off the carriage with joy on their faces and respectfully saluted Zhao Ji.

"Your son pays respect to the king!"

"No need for formalities!"

Zhao Ji smiled and quickly helped them up. When he looked at the child, the smile on his face did not diminish, but it seemed that his eyes were a bit dimmer.

Zhao Ning quickly said, "Father, do you want to hold your grandson?"

"What kind of words are these!"

Zhao Ji scolded with a stern face, "How could I, as a grandfather, not hold my grandson?"

As he spoke, he carefully took the child.

Looking left and right.

This was the body of Emperor Zhuanxu!

The baby had already opened his eyes and, seeing the old man with white hair, also looked at him curiously.

An elder of the Zhao family couldn't help but exclaim, "It's really good! It's really good! It's truly worthy of being the seed of our Zhao family. Your Majesty, look, how much this child's eyebrows resemble yours!"

"..."

Zhao Ji's face stiffened for a moment.

There were a few fluffs on the child's eyebrows.

It looked like a hammer!

Even if it really looked like him, it was only similar to that brat, what did it have to do with him?

He glanced at Zhao Ning behind him and found that the boy was smiling at him.

Zhao Ji sighed inwardly, but let out a hearty laugh: "Nonsense! My Zhao royal family, generation after generation of rulers. Come and see, how extraordinary my grandson's talent is."

As he spoke, he took the child and strolled around in the crowd of the Zhao family.

Causing waves of exclamations.

Although the appearance did not differ much from that of an ordinary child, the vigorous energy and bright eyes could not deceive anyone.

Everyone had a high level of cultivation and could see at a glance that the child's innate talent was absolutely unique in the world.

Not satisfied, Zhao Ji deliberately untied the swaddle and revealed the little one.

The baby had never seen so many people since birth, and suddenly being exposed, he cried loudly.

Crying on one side.

Urinating on the other.

Like a fountain, it splashed all over the elders of the Zhao family, causing laughter.

After showing off enough, Zhao Ji was satisfied and carefully handed the child back to Zhao Ning, then swept a glance at the "couple" and said in a gentle voice, "You've been traveling for a long time. Rest well after returning to Qingjiang Palace. In two days, there will be the ancestral ceremony. As long as you're there, everything else has been arranged for you."

Zhao Ning smiled faintly, "Thank you, Father!"

As he spoke, he and Li Caimei walked back to the carriage hand in hand.

Before getting on the carriage, he cast a reassuring glance at Ying Wuji.

Zhao Ji waved to Ying Wuji, "Come here, you rascal!"

"Yes!"

Ying Wuji walked up with a grin, "Greetings, Father!"

It had only been three months.

Zhao Ji seemed to have aged a few more years.Ever since reaching an agreement with the Wei and Han families and destroying the Li family, the old man no longer concealed his aging.

He used to dye his hair black, but now he didn't even bother. The tips of his hair were still black, but the roots had turned completely white.

If it weren't for the etiquette of a king, he probably wouldn't even bother with his appearance.

Just like in the new Li palace, his whole image was becoming more like that of a country bumpkin. Even in Jiangcheng, it was said that the queen was the one who helped him dress.

Zhao Ji nodded slightly. "You've been doing well in the new territory. I'll send two tailors to you later, and you should also attend the Zhao family gathering in two days."

Upon hearing this, the elders of the Zhao family couldn't help but exchange glances.

Ying Wuji, although a son-in-law of the royal family, did not strictly belong to the Zhao family. According to the rules, Ying Wuji had no right to attend such a family gathering.

In the past, many sons-in-law had tried to force their way into the Zhao family gatherings to show off their status in the Li Kingdom, but none had succeeded.

Ying Wuji, on the other hand, was actually invited by Zhao Ji himself, which showed how much the King valued his son-in-law.

However, no one in the Zhao family raised any objections. Although Ying Wuji's reforms were not so favorable to the Zhao family, his contributions to the Li Kingdom were undeniable. Such a loyal and virtuous minister had every right to attend the Zhao family gathering.

They had heard that Zhao Ji had sent Zhao Du to take over the defense of the new Li City to guard against Ying Wuji and the Bai family. Now it seemed like a complete nonsense.

After giving instructions, Zhao Ji left for the palace, and the elders of the Zhao family also dispersed, preparing for tonight's funeral feast.

Ying Wuji watched as a large group of people left, and after a moment of contemplation, he smiled and called for someone to get on the carriage. "Let's go! Let's go home!"

...

Half a year had passed.

The Marquis's Mansion was still the same, with elegant courtyards and not a speck of dust.

After all, Ying Wuji was wealthy. Although he had moved out of Jiangcheng, not a single servant or maid had been dismissed from the Marquis's Mansion. They still received their monthly salaries on time and lived a comfortable life without a boss to serve.

Of course, they still worked diligently.

The Marquis's Mansion, which was once the same, remained the same today.

However...

When Ying Wuji reached the inner courtyard, he turned to look at a room with the door closed.

Normally, at this time, the unoccupied guest rooms would have their doors and windows open for ventilation.

Ying Wuji looked at the gatekeeper and was about to ask when the gatekeeper hurriedly explained, "Marquis, the other day, Daoist Qing Xu arrived in Jiangcheng and said he had no money to stay at an inn, so he came to stay at our Marquis's Mansion. I arranged for him to stay, and I was about to write to inform you, but I thought you would be back soon, so I didn't write."

"Oh!"

Ying Wuji nodded. "Well done. Is the Daoist at home now?"

When he left Jiangcheng, he had instructed that certain people could be accommodated at the Marquis's Mansion if they came to visit. This included Daoist Qing Xu.

The gatekeeper shook his head. "The Daoist is only here at night. He should be back at dinner time."

Ying Wuji grunted. "I see. You may go. Go to the steward to collect your reward!"

The gatekeeper was overjoyed and thanked Ying Wuji before leaving.

Bai Yi, lost in thought, said, "Daoist Qing Xu actually came at this time."

She had never met Daoist Qing Xu, but she knew that he was the representative of the Tai Shang Guan lineage in the mortal world.

Even though the Yang Zhu lineage and the Tai Shang Guan lineage did not interact frequently, she had heard that the Tai Shang Guan lineage was extremely powerful.

The Yang Zhu lineage had to join forces with the Wei Jiao lineage to barely keep up.

"What is he here for..."

Ying Wuji rubbed his chin. In his impression, Daoist Qing Xu seemed to have done little besides swindling money from wealthy families and taking advantage of certain situations.

This time was quite sensitive.

He wondered what Daoist Qing Xu was doing here at this time.

"It doesn't matter. Let's rest for now!"

Ying Wuji smiled and called for everyone to go back to their rooms to rest.

For a cultivator, the physical burden of traveling was not great.

It was just that the journey was too boring.

Instead of just flying with a sword or using a few hours to return, he had to organize a large caravan and visit the people along the way. It was too exhausting.

Plus, there was a major event about to happen, and it felt like a sword was hanging over his head.

During these two quiet days, he just wanted to rest.

Seeing that he was about to return to his room alone, Bai Zhi tugged at Hua Chao's sleeve. "Sister Hua Chao, go and rest with the young master!"

Hua Chao was taken aback. "Huh?"

Normally, this little girl was amicable with her, but she had secretly competed with her many times when it came to accompanying the young master to sleep.

Why was she giving in today?

Bai Zhi pushed her with a smile. "Go on!"

Without further thought, Hua Chao smiled and followed Ying Wuji into the room.

There were only two people left in the courtyard.

Bai Zhi pursed her lips and took Bai Yi's hand. "Miss, come with me."

With that, she pulled her into the study.

After making sure that no one else had noticed, she quickly closed the door and put up a soundproof charm.

Bai Yi looked at her deeply.

She found that the little girl's eyes were unusually bright.

Her appearance was no different from before.

But the slightly silly look she used to have was gone, replaced by a hint of cunning unique to the fox clan.

She took a deep breath. "Miss! I want to help the young master."

Bai Yi smiled and asked, "How do you want to help?"

Bai Zhi said seriously, "In the way you anticipated!"

Bai Yi felt a sense of relief.

This little girl, who had been forced to take human form at a young age due to her inadequate innate conditions, had suppressed many of her talents.

However, she had a keen sense of cunning and intelligence unique to the fox clan.

She had a feeling of relief.

This little girl, who had been forced to take human form at a young age due to her inadequate innate conditions, had suppressed many of her talents.

However, she had a keen sense of cunning and intelligence unique to the fox clan.According to reason, after the fetal molt, the bloodline of the Demon King should be revived, and the innate wisdom should be immediately opened, and the memories left in her heart should also be revived.

But for a long time, this little girl behaved no differently from before, and Bai Yi tried several times to no avail.

Now it seems...

This little girl is quite good at pretending!

This little girl came from the outside domain, a real descendant of the Fox King. She was handed over to the former head of the Bai family by the White Daoist.

The process is so complicated.

Naturally, it is not simply to find a fox-tailed wife for her son.

There is a great plan brewing in Bai Zhi's body.

This plan.

Only the White Daoist and the previous heads of the family know about it.

However, when Bai Yi handed over the position of family head, she did not inform Ying Wuji, because Ying Wuji might not be willing, and Bai Zhi might not be willing either.

So she just waited for Bai Zhi to come to her on her own.

Bai Yi smiled and looked at her, "Aren't you afraid of making Wuji angry by doing this?"

"I won't do anything to make the young master angry!"

Bai Zhi pouted, her tone full of seriousness: "I just want to help the young master find a way out. I don't know if the young master can solve this matter, but there must be a way out. Miss, you have also seen that there are countless elite soldiers in the Zhao family. If they really break their promise and act, how can the young master escape?"

"Silly girl!"

Bai Yi rubbed her head, "Have you ever thought that seeking this way out might bring you great risks?"

Bai Zhi smiled, "Risks are risks. The young master is taking great risks, isn't he? I can't always be a little fox who eats and sleeps. I want to help the young master and fulfill my own mission. I..."

She scratched her head, "I'm just afraid that the young master will blame me!"

Bai Yi felt a little emotional. This little girl used to be carefree, but now she is so sensible. It's fake to say that she is not moved. She stroked the beautiful hair on Bai Zhi's head, "That kid is good at everything, but he spoils his wife too much. How can he not do anything at home? If you want to do it, then go ahead, and I'll cover for Wuji."

"Okay!"

Bai Zhi nodded heavily, "If the young master gets into trouble this time, I will do my best to rescue him. If he is fine, then I will disappear for a while."

Bai Yi gently hugged the little girl, "Okay!"

"Then... I'm leaving!"

Bai Zhi's eyes turned slightly red, and then she leaped up and turned directly into a beautiful fox.

She bit into the air, creating a crack.

Then the whole fox went in.

...

The palace.

Chongli Palace.

The father and daughter sat facing each other, talking.

On the table was a map of the entire Central Plains.

They were discussing the future trend of the world.

If Ying Wuji were here, he would definitely be able to hear that the content of the father and daughter's discussion was very similar to what he had deduced at the Bai family's grand event that day, except that there were many more variables. The key to the father and daughter's conversation was how to use these variables to unify the Central Plains more quickly and thoroughly.

This topic.

If raised by any vassal state, it might be ridiculed as overestimating their own abilities, even by the Kingdom Qian, known as the country of tigers and wolves, because the apparent strength of the various countries is quite balanced at the moment.

Even if the Kingdom Li has successfully reformed, it has not yet shown any real achievements. Plus, it is about to be divided into three parts. In the eyes of other vassal states, it is at most on par with the previous Kingdom Li.

But in the mouths of the father and daughter, unifying the world seems to be just a matter of time.

They were even discussing how to minimize this time to the greatest extent.

The degree of reduction is very exaggerated.

If it were to be said, it would surely be ridiculed by the various countries.

But the father and daughter both greatly approved of the final conclusion.

However...

Zhao Ning looked at his father, with a hint of worry in his eyes, "If everything goes according to plan, this time frame is not exaggerated. But father, are you really going to keep your promise to Wuji as agreed..."

"Otherwise?"

Zhao Ji interrupted, his face still smiling, "Since we have made an agreement, we will not go back on it. Do you also think that I am a person who breaks his word?"

"I dare not!"

Zhao Ning quickly bowed, "It's just..."

At this moment.

The voice of Cao Gonggong came from outside the hall.

"Your Majesty! Daoist Qing Xu requests an audience!"

"Daoist Qing Xu?"

Zhao Ji pondered for a moment, "Let him in!"

A moment later.

Daoist Qing Xu strode into the hall.

His hair was all white.

He exuded an immortal aura.

Even before he arrived, his laughter echoed in the hall.

"Your Majesty of the Kingdom Li, long time no see, how have you been these days!"

"Doing well!"

Zhao Ji got up with a smile, warmly welcoming him, "It's just that compared to Daoist, I am still inferior. Daoist's demeanor is as impressive as ever, while I am like a candle in the wind, who knows when I will be blown out by the wind!"

Daoist Qing Xu laughed and waved his hand, "Your Majesty is exaggerating!"

Zhao Ji stroked his graying beard, smiling, "Exaggerating or not? Daoist is also aware that my time is running out, and specially came to open a gambling game with me to fulfill the agreement?"

"Your Majesty, you have misunderstood me!"

Daoist Qing Xu's smile was warm, "It's just the demon trouble in the Kingdom Chu. I was sent to investigate. Since there is no major problem in the Kingdom Chu for the time being, and I thought of a friend here, I deliberately stayed for two days to have a cup of tea.

As for that gambling game...

I am not someone who cares about winning or losing.

I am just waiting for the game to start. You and I are not people who can't afford to lose. Why bother to make an extra trip just for a gambling game that we don't know when it will end?"

Zhao Ji laughed heartily, then turned to Zhao Ning, "Ning'er, quickly make a cup of tea!"

Then.

He made a gesture of invitation.

And led the Daoist to the study.

Compared to the main hall of Chongli Palace, it didn't look as grand, but it was just right for receiving guests.Qing Xu Daochang glanced at the Go board on the table, his eyebrows twitched, "How is the chess skill of King Li?"

"Average!"

Zhao Ji waved his hand, "Apart from being able to bully that brat Wuji, no one else can win."

Qing Xu Daochang became interested, "I am also a lousy chess player. How about a game between us?"

Zhao Ji looked at him for a moment, pondered, and said with a smile, "I couldn't ask for more!"

A quarter of an hour later.

Zhao Ning brought over a pot of tea, and the black and white pieces on the chessboard were already in a difficult and indistinguishable situation.

Qing Xu Daochang played as black, advancing step by step, repeatedly forcing the white pieces into a dangerous situation.

His chess skills were good.

But only good.

At least in Zhao Ning's opinion, he should be slightly inferior to Zhao Ji.

Zhao Ji's chess style was changeable, whether it was a bold attack or digging pits against Qing Xu, he was unlikely to be at a disadvantage.

But the actual situation was... Zhao Ji was at a disadvantage.

Furrowing his brows slightly.

He seemed a little impatient.

Sometimes, he was reluctant to give up a small piece, which could open up the situation.

Sometimes, in a game of contention, he would give up decisively.

Slowly.

The white pieces were at a disadvantage.

Zhao Ji's speed of placing pieces became slower and slower.

Since the last black piece was placed, his hand had been hovering over the board for a long time, but he had not placed it yet.

Although his expression was calm, his breathing became somewhat heavy.

Finally.

His hand moved, as if to place a piece.

Now, if he wanted to break the deadlock, he only had two options: either to be resolute and cut off his wrist, or to fight with the black pieces in the quagmire until dark.

Once this piece was placed, it would be decided.

But as soon as his hand moved half an inch, he retracted it and held the piece tightly in his hand.

He slowly placed his hand on the table.

"Daochang, excellent game!"

Zhao Ji smiled and waved his hand, "I concede!"

Qing Xu Daochang stroked his beard slowly and said with a smile, "This game is not necessarily a losing game. Your Majesty, won't you try again?"

"No need!"

Zhao Ji shook his head, "I'm getting old, my mind can't keep up."

Qing Xu Daochang did not insist, just picked up the cold tea on the table, drank it in one gulp, and said, "Thank you for the good tea! I will leave for the Kingdom of Chu tomorrow. I will rest well tonight and take my leave!"

With that, he stood up.

Smiling, he bowed to Zhao Ji and left Chongli Palace with big strides.

"This old Daoist, leaves after winning!"

Zhao Ji laughed and scolded, as if losing this game of chess had no effect on his mood at all.

Zhao Ning took a deep breath, "Father! It seems like this is the first time you have voluntarily conceded a game of chess."

"Why?"

Zhao Ji asked with a smile, "I'm getting old, can't I even concede? Hurry up and put the chess pieces away!"

"Yes!"

Zhao Ning nodded and calmly put away the chess pieces.

Zhao Ji yawned and stood up, stretching lazily, "It's getting late, I'm going to bed. After you put away the chess pieces, go and rest too!"

"Father, wait!"

Zhao Ning stopped him.

Zhao Ji asked, "Is there something else?"

Zhao Ning looked at his right hand and smiled faintly, "You still have one piece in your hand!"

Zhao Ji's eyebrow twitched.

He slowly opened his clenched right hand.

The black piece inside had turned into powder at some point.

At the same time, Zhao Ning had already put the black and white pieces back into the chess box.

She made a gesture of invitation, "Father! Can I invite you to another game?"

As she spoke, she took out a list from her arms and placed it on the opposite side of the chessboard.

It was a list of those from the Kingdom of Li who would attend the Nine Provinces Festival, including the top experts of the royal family.

...

Fu Ma Mansion.

Ying Wuji yawned and let the two tailors who had come from the palace dress him up in various styles.

Half-closing his eyes, he asked, "Mother! Where is Bai Zhi?"

"That girl!"

Bai Yi waved her hand and smiled, "Her bloodline awakened for the second time, so I let her go find the old elder."

Awakened for the second time?

Ying Wuji felt it was quite strange. Could bloodlines awaken for a second time?

But he didn't doubt it. The "old elder" in Bai Yi's mouth was the super big shot, the old Daoist of the Bai family, an absolute powerhouse.

As for Bai Zhi's safety, there was no need to worry too much.

Because the Heavenly Fox Dream was shared between the two of them, he could clearly sense Bai Zhi's safety.

Moreover, this little girl was not only an assistant in his study palace, but also an assistant in his online classes. She had learned all the spells he had taught, and had also secretly practiced a lot on her own.

In terms of combat power, she probably only had to be afraid of those at the level of ordinary soldiers.

Being able to have the help of the old Daoist of the Bai family for her second awakening was also a good thing.

"Yawn..."

Ying Wuji stretched lazily, just wanting to finish measuring and then eat a late-night snack and go to bed.

He didn't know if it was because he had too much on his mind, but he had been particularly tired recently.

Soon.

After the measurements were done, he sent the tailors away and sat at the dining table, ready to heat up the chicken congee.

But before he could pick up the spoon, a voice came from outside the door.

"Leave a bowl for this poor Daoist!"

"Huh?"

Ying Wuji was a little reluctant, but he still got a small bowl and served Qing Xu Daochang.

Qing Xu Daochang sniffed and exclaimed, "It's really good!"

Saying that, he held the bowl and took a small sip.

Ying Wuji mumbled with a mouthful of congee, "What big gambling event is happening in our city again? It has attracted you here!"

"You're saying it wrong!"

Qing Xu Daochang was a little unhappy, "I am a monk, is there nothing else for me to do besides gambling?"

Ying Wuji asked with a grin, "I heard that a new high-class brothel has opened in the south of the city, the girls are sturdy, and the prices are reasonable. Did Daochang come for this?"

"You, you brat!"Qing Xu Daoist was infuriated: "This is truly a disgrace to scholars! I practice the Virgin Boy Technique, and to this day, I have retained my primordial yang. Not like you, young man, whose head is filled with thoughts of women all day long!"

Ying Wuji felt somewhat disappointed: "So it's not that! Then I'll assume you're here to see your disciple!"

Daoist Qing Xu nodded: "Indeed, I am here to see my disciple!"

Ying Wuji flipped his right hand.

The Hanguang Sword was directly flung out.

"Come out, Brother Han Juan!"

The phantom of Han Juan yawned, his expression lazy and resentful, as if he was very dissatisfied with Ying Wuji forcibly summoning him to work overtime.

However, as soon as he opened his eyes, he saw Daoist Qing Xu and was quite surprised: "Disciple Han Juan pays respects to Master!"

"Hmm!"

Daoist Qing Xu nodded: "You've seen me, now go back!"

Han Juan: "..."

Search tinyurl.com/2p9emv8w for the original.

He was utterly baffled, but since Daoist Qing Xu had told him to go back, he had no choice but to comply.

Before returning to the sword, he scratched his head and observed the two for a while, clueless about what the old and the young were scheming.

Once Han Juan had left,

Ying Wuji then asked with a smile: "It seems that Daoist Qing Xu isn't here to see his disciple after all!"

Daoist Qing Xu, annoyed by his antics, asked in a lowered voice: "Young man, are you not the least bit anxious now?"

"Why should I be anxious?"

Ying Wuji looked puzzled.

Daoist Qing Xu didn't know if he was pretending or not, and after some thought, he said: "Before I came back, I played a game of chess with Old King Li."

"Oh?"

Ying Wuji still appeared indifferent: "Does Daoist Qing Xu wish to teach me the art of chess?"

Daoist Qing Xu finished the last of his porridge, set the bowl aside: "I dare not claim to teach you chess, but I heard from your father that you have never won against him. We are fated, for ten silver taels, I will show you how I won against him."

"Ten taels..."

Ying Wuji finally dropped his indifferent demeanor, his eyes becoming more serious.

With a virtual grasp of his right hand, he summoned the study's chessboard through the air, which landed steadily on the table.

He took out ten silver taels from his bosom, and with a smile that was not quite a smile, he said: "Please enlighten me, Daoist Qing Xu, I am indeed a bit eager to win for once."

"Very well!"

Daoist Qing Xu tidied his hair, his expression extremely serious.

Left hand held black, right hand held white.

They took turns placing pieces.

It was a complete replay of the game played in the palace.

Even the timing of each move was exactly the same.

Ying Wuji watched with twitching eyes.

His father-in-law's game of chess was played so... intricately?

After a long time,

The game was finished.

Daoist Qing Xu asked: "How about it?"

Ying Wuji nodded: "I've learned something!"

Daoist Qing Xu asked again: "Do you have any insights?"

"A little insight, but not much!"

Ying Wuji waved his hand with a smile: "This is not my father's true level of skill. There was a move in the middle game where my father had a great chance of winning, but he missed it due to negligence. Daoist Qing Xu's victory was due to my father's lack of concentration.

If my father were to carefully plan, all the heroes of the world would be within the chessboard.

No one could break through!"

Daoist Qing Xu was not angry, but instead asked: "In the exquisite arrangements between you and your father-in-law, has there ever been a situation where your victory did not depend on you, but solely on whether your father-in-law wished to let you win?"

Ying Wuji's face remained smiling: "What if it exists? Would he give up a well-crafted grand strategy just for me?"

Daoist Qing Xu looked at the chessboard: "If he were young and strong, naturally he wouldn't. But after he makes this move, you are the only one left to play, could it be that he might fall into a situation where the outcome depends solely on you?"

Ying Wuji laughed: "His trust in me is enough."

"Trust is never the issue!"

Daoist Qing Xu, feeling tired, waved his hand: "Wuji, I have a question for you!"

Ying Wuji asked: "What is it, Daoist Qing Xu?"

Daoist Qing Xu collected the chess pieces one by one, retreating to the move that Ying Wuji referred to as "Zhao Ji's winning move," before asking: "If the person holding black was you, would you be confident in facing this winning move?"

Ying Wuji pondered for a long time, then nodded with a smile: "In this world, there is no such thing as a guaranteed winning move. Why do you take my casual words so seriously, Daoist Qing Xu?"

He pinched a white piece and placed it on the board.

This move.

Was still Zhao Ji's play.

This move relinquished the precious initiative.

With a smile on his face: "I still believe that the game will follow the script."

Daoist Qing Xu quietly watched him for a while.

He let out a soft breath and stood up.

"So be it!"

"Take care!"

After saying that,

He slowly stood up and walked into the courtyard.

With a leap,

He vanished with a whoosh.

...

In some unknown corner,

Nangong Yan quietly watched Ji Tong play chess.

Ji Tong held black in his left hand and white in his right, following the chess manual, he leisurely placed the pieces down.

The smile on his face grew more radiant.

"King Li."

"Zhao Ji."

"Pity... still aged, after all!"