Forty-Nine Habits

Seeing this, Bai Zongnan had no choice but to let her be.

Zhen Mi went to the kitchen to boil water and poured it into the teapot. After making the tea, she handed it to Bai Zongnan and even fed him herself.

Bai Zongnan thought to himself that this girl was quite virtuous, surprisingly well-versed in etiquette.

“My lord, shall I make your bed?” Zhen Mi asked with a gentle smile.

“No need, I’ll just sleep as it is,” Bai Zongnan replied, lying down on the bed.

Seeing this, Zhen Mi hesitated for a moment, then slowly approached the bedside. She lifted the covers and slipped into the bed, embracing Bai Zongnan.

“Ahem! I usually sleep naked, so I’m not used to sharing a quilt with someone else,” Bai Zongnan coughed awkwardly.

Zhen Mi’s cheeks flushed crimson; she had never been this close to a man before. Moreover, she could feel how strong and well-built this man was.

“Don’t misunderstand! I have no improper intentions. Just hold me, let me feel your presence, that’s enough,” Bai Zongnan said hurriedly.

“I understand,” Zhen Mi replied softly.

“Mm.” Bai Zongnan closed his eyes, torn by conflicting emotions.

“My lord, are you ill? Why are you trembling? Are you feeling unwell?” Zhen Mi suddenly asked.

Startled, Bai Zongnan forced a bitter smile, “You guessed right, I am indeed ill, and it’s not a minor illness.”

“What kind of illness? Is it serious? Should we call a physician?” Zhen Mi asked worriedly.

“No need,” Bai Zongnan refused.

“Then what shall we do? I don’t want anything to happen to you,” Zhen Mi said affectionately.

“Aren’t you afraid? I’m a terrible man!” Bai Zongnan suddenly rolled over, pinning Zhen Mi beneath him.

“I’m not afraid. As long as I can stay by your side, that’s enough,” she whispered.

Bai Zongnan was filled with happiness. With such a wife, what more could a man want? Even if he wasn’t Yuan Xi, for this extraordinary woman before him, he would never reconcile with that villain Cao.

At dawn, Bai Zongnan woke early. Stretching lazily, he noticed an odd sensation on his chest. Looking down, he nearly spat blood—Zhen Mi had, while he slept, sneakily struck him on the chest. The girl was indeed audacious; if an ordinary martial artist had been caught off guard, they might have died on the spot. Fortunately, she didn’t know martial arts and had little strength, and Bai Zongnan’s body was exceptionally robust, suffering only a minor bruise on the skin.

“Hmph! So you want to compete with me?” Bai Zongnan curled his lip.

“Who’s there?” Zhen Mi asked warily, looking toward the window.

“It’s me! Hurry and get up! I have to attend the county examination today; my time is precious!” Bai Zongnan said coldly.

“My lord, it’s only dawn. There are still three hours before the exam begins. Let me help you wash and dress first,” Zhen Mi said softly.

“Fine! Be quick about it,” Bai Zongnan replied.

Relieved that Bai Zongnan was not angry about last night’s incident, Zhen Mi smiled brightly, “Please wait a moment. I’ll prepare everything for you right away!”

Soon, she had Bai Zongnan dressed and ready, sending him off from the courtyard. Only after watching him leave did she return inside.

Bai Zongnan left the residence, heading straight for the north gate of the county. He intended to observe the county examination and the candidates’ performance, his ultimate aim being the provincial-level exam.

The county exam was held six times a year, with over eight hundred candidates, each session lasting at least a day. Bai Zongnan resolved to take the county exam today and proceed to the prefectural exam the next day.

Arriving at the county office, he queued up to register. As he had been introduced by Zhang Liang, the deputy magistrate, the officer in charge of registration was especially courteous, personally leading him to the reception room in the rear courtyard.

“My surname is Liu, given name Yong. May I ask your esteemed name?” Liu Yong greeted Bai Zongnan with a fist salute.

“Bai Zongnan, that’s my name,” Bai Zongnan replied, returning the salute.

“So it is Brother Lin! Which subject do you wish to register for?” Liu Yong asked.

“I choose the prefectural exam,” Bai Zongnan answered without hesitation.

Liu Yong was taken aback. The prefectural exam was the most important provincial examination held across the region, and all candidates were required to register in the county to prevent impersonation from other areas. Had Bai not been introduced by the magistrate, Liu Yong would have thought he was boasting.

The requirements for the prefectural exam were much stricter than the county’s. Candidates needed to prepare their own questions, which could be in any field—literature, mathematics, or otherwise. They also had to bring three sets of examination papers and an answer card. Most crucially, a deposit of five thousand coins was required, with four types of deposits based on origin and age, the higher the amount, the greater the safety and guarantee for candidates. Thus, most applicants were poor, with few possessing the skills or the means to qualify, making competition fierce and selection strict.

“Brother, if I may speak frankly, you are still very young and hardly qualified to become a scholar,” Liu Yong advised.

“Thank you for your concern, but my ambition remains unchanged. Farewell!” Bai Zongnan saluted and left.

Seeing his stubbornness, Liu Yong could only shake his head.

As Bai Zongnan exited the county office, he saw a dozen constables in dark uniforms lining the street, watching him intently.

“Are they here to arrest me?” he wondered, frowning as he walked in another direction.

Just then, the lead constable, a middle-aged man, blocked his path.

“Are you Bai Zongnan?” the man asked in a deep voice.

“I am. And you are?” Bai Zongnan replied coolly.

“By order of Magistrate Zhang, we are here to arrest you!” the man barked.

“Oh? Such big words. Let’s see if you’re actually capable of arresting me,” Bai Zongnan said with a mocking smile.

“You’re courting death!” The man flew into a rage, lunging at Bai Zongnan.

With a cold snort, Bai Zongnan stamped his right foot, leaping into the air. With a thunderous punch, he sent the man flying several meters, crashing to the ground.

The remaining constables, shocked, drew their swords and surrounded him.

“You dare resist?” they shouted, attacking with their blades.

Bai Zongnan moved nimbly, sweeping his legs and sending several of them tumbling. They were no match for him.

“Sir, this man is formidable. We’re no match for him! Please, sir, apprehend him yourself!” the lead man, clutching his stomach in pain, prostrated himself before an elderly man who had just emerged from the crowd.

“Who are you?” Bai Zongnan asked.

“I am the magistrate. Do you admit your guilt?” the old man demanded, eyes narrowed.

“Admit guilt? Ha! You people abuse your authority, beating innocent citizens. Are you not afraid of public condemnation?” Bai Zongnan sneered.

“Insolence! How dare you criticize me? Seize him!” the magistrate roared.

Seven officers emerged from the crowd.

“Wait!” Bai Zongnan raised his hand, halting them.

“What do you want before you surrender?” the magistrate asked, his voice icy.

“Simple. Let me finish the prefectural exam, then you can arrest me. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being rude,” Bai Zongnan said coldly.

“Insolence!” the old man fumed.

“Sir, let me deal with this brat first,” the injured man said, stepping forward.

“Be careful not to damage my exam papers,” Bai Zongnan warned.

“Don’t worry, your papers will remain untouched,” the man sneered.

“Then you’d best be careful yourself,” Bai Zongnan replied.

The man’s face darkened, catching the sarcasm. “You’ll pay for this!”

He attacked fiercely, but Bai Zongnan evaded every blow with ease. Though powerful, the man was no match for Bai Zongnan’s speed and was soon beaten black and blue, suspecting foul play.

“Enough!” the magistrate shouted.

“If you order me to stop, must I obey? Why should I listen to you?” Bai Zongnan retorted.

“Scoundrel, do you dare defy my orders?” the old man raged.

“Heh, haven’t I already?” Bai Zongnan laughed coldly.

“You’re dead, boy!” the man roared, lunging again.

“Get lost!” Bai Zongnan barked, striking him in the chest and sending him crashing into a wall, unconscious.

“You—you really dare resist?” the magistrate stammered, pointing at Bai Zongnan in terror.

“Not only do I dare resist, I could kill you all right now. Do you believe me?” Bai Zongnan’s eyes glinted coldly, like a demon descended upon the world.

“You—” the old man trembled, turning to flee.

In a flash, Bai Zongnan appeared behind him, grabbing him by the neck and lifting him off the ground.

“Help! Let me go! I’m the magistrate!” the old man screamed in terror.

Ignoring him, Bai Zongnan tossed the old man to the ground, then helped the injured man to his feet.

“Let’s go,” he said, supporting the man as they walked back toward the city, the remaining constables stunned before sprinting after them.

“Hey! What are you doing? If you want to arrest someone, show some evidence!”

“This is illegal detention! Is there no law here?”

“Oh, my back…”

Cries of pain echoed from the constables.

“Brother, please release my master,” the man pleaded anxiously.

“Uncle, I can save you from this misery, but you must promise me one thing,” Bai Zongnan said solemnly.

“What is it? If I can do it, I will,” the man replied earnestly.

“I want you to join our martial academy,” Bai Zongnan said seriously.

“Martial academy? What do you mean?” the man was puzzled.

“I mean, join Mount Longhu and learn martial arts with us,” Bai Zongnan explained.

“I see.” The man nodded, then hesitated awkwardly, “But I’m just a farmer…”

“Whether you join or not is up to you. Our sect has rules. If you join, you’ll receive five taels of silver a month for living expenses, plus martial arts instruction,” Bai Zongnan assured him.

“Five taels of silver? Are you robbing me?” the man exclaimed, eyes wide.

“Uncle, do you think five taels is too little? Not everyone is as wealthy as I am,” Bai Zongnan replied.

“It’s not that, it’s just… I’m not fit for martial arts, and training costs money…” the man said with a bitter smile.

“No matter, join us and I’ll provide the funds. You won’t have to pay for food, lodging, or training,” Bai Zongnan smiled.

“Really? You’re not deceiving me?” the man asked, excited.

“Do I look like a liar? You’ll soon see for yourself,” Bai Zongnan said calmly.

“You’ll see soon enough!” the magistrate suddenly snorted. “Seize them both!”

A cold gleam flashed in Bai Zongnan’s eyes.

Suddenly, more than ten masked men in black surged from all sides, weapons drawn.

“I advise you not to make any rash moves, or you’ll die with no grave,” the magistrate threatened.

“Oh? Do you really think you can kill me?” Bai Zongnan smiled faintly.

“Hmph! You brat, don’t think a bit of martial skill will save you. I am a master, and you are nothing but an ant to me!” the magistrate boasted.

Bai Zongnan was startled: a martial master?

He hadn’t expected the old man’s martial prowess to be so high. There were nine tiers in the martial path—apprentice, warrior, sect master, king, emperor, sage, and so on, each divided into early, middle, and late stages for a total of eight ranks.

Bai Zongnan himself was just a beginner, capable of a third-rank apprentice’s strength, equivalent to the peak of ordinary ancient martial apprentices. Still, with his top-tier technique, the Overlord Spear Art, combined with his resilient body, he could easily defeat most apprentices.

“Enough talk, old man. Make your move!” Bai Zongnan’s tone was cold and murderous.

“You’re courting death!” the magistrate snarled, leaping at Bai Zongnan with a flurry of punches, each blow like thunder.

With a single move, Bai Zongnan blocked the attack and retaliated with a whip kick, knocking the magistrate to the ground.

“How can this be? He’s just a boy!” the old man exclaimed, scrambling to his feet in shock.

“That kick was your warning. Our sect does not tolerate the wicked. Now get lost!” Bai Zongnan said icily.

“You’ll regret this!” the magistrate spat, fleeing toward the alley.

Bai Zongnan moved to intercept him when suddenly a dagger whistled through the air, aimed at his throat.

“Watch out!” the man cried.

Bai Zongnan dodged, narrowly avoiding the blade, though it grazed his arm.

“Who are these scoundrels?” Bai Zongnan bellowed in rage.

At that moment, several short arrows flew toward him.

“Die, boy,” a hoarse voice snarled.

Frowning, Bai Zongnan used his Starstep technique to dash away.

“So, a sixth-grade innate martial master. No wonder you dared provoke me,” the old man muttered, surprised.

Having evaded the arrows, Bai Zongnan looked back, but the magistrate had vanished.

“Strange!” he murmured, puzzled. Though only a sixth-grade master, the old man had disappeared without a trace.

Suddenly, a chilling sense of danger crept up behind him.

A dagger stabbed through Bai Zongnan’s back, blood spurting and soaking his clothes. The pain sent tremors through his body.

“Not pleasant, is it?” the magistrate sneered.

“Despicable dog! If you have guts, fight me fair and square!” Bai Zongnan roared, eyes blazing.

“Are you an idiot?” the old man taunted.

“Today, I’ll rid the world of you!” he howled, channeling his internal energy and shoving Bai Zongnan away.

Bai Zongnan spat blood upon landing, wracked with agony.

The magistrate, holding a poisoned needle, smiled coldly and approached.

“Die, wretch!” he shouted, striking Bai Zongnan’s chest.

With a crack, Bai Zongnan’s ribs shattered, pain engulfing him.

“You… you bastard…” Bai Zongnan screamed, collapsing.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of your fiancée!” the magistrate sneered, reaching to snap Bai Zongnan’s neck.

But at that moment, a golden snake shot from Bai Zongnan’s body, biting the old man’s wrist, which instantly turned black and swollen.

“You damned mongrel, how dare you bite me?” the old man shrieked.

“I’ll kill you!” he roared, stabbing his dagger down.

The blade sank deep into Bai Zongnan’s heart.

“Ha… you’re dead, you’re dead!” the magistrate howled with glee.

“You’re the one who’s dead!” a cold voice rang out.

The magistrate spun around and found Bai Zongnan standing unscathed before him.

“This… impossible!” the old man gasped.

Bai Zongnan pulled the dagger from his chest.

“Not good!” the magistrate turned to flee in terror.

“Trying to escape?” Bai Zongnan laughed coldly, dashing after him with supernatural speed.

“Stay away… don’t touch me…” the old man screamed, running for his life.

But with only sixth-grade power, he was no match for Bai Zongnan and was soon overtaken, his head smashed with a single blow.

Bai Zongnan tossed the corpse into a corner, took out a handkerchief, and wiped the blood from his hands and face.

“Hmm?” he muttered, eyes narrowing at a distant, dark house. “That’s the Li residence. Are their enemies seeking revenge, or is it aimed at me? Either way, now that it’s happened, I must get to the bottom of it.”

He slipped silently toward the Li residence, lurking near the wall to observe.

“So that’s it! The villain tried to frame me with this scheme. Luckily, I’m skilled in disguise, or I’d have been in real trouble!” He quickly discovered clues left by the magistrate.

“It seems a benefactor lent me a hand,” Bai Zongnan mused. He guessed it must have been an expert under Xu Shichen who had secretly helped him; otherwise, with only fifth-grade innate power, he could never have bested the magistrate.

He did not linger, but left the Li estate and returned to the inn to consult Zhen Mi.

“The Li family’s enemies are indeed cunning, resorting to such despicable means. If you hadn’t noticed in time, things could have gone badly,” Zhen Mi said coldly, disappointed in him. “You’re not strong enough yet—don’t be reckless, understand?”

“I know. I’ll work hard to grow stronger,” Bai Zongnan nodded solemnly.

“All right, you must be tired. Rest for now, I’ll prepare your medicine,” Zhen Mi said, leaving the room.

At midnight, the wind howled and rain lashed the windows. Bai Zongnan lay on the bed, eyes closed in feigned sleep, his thoughts drifting to distant places and to Zhen Mi.

He sighed. His origins were a mystery, his future uncertain.

Turning over, he gazed at a potted white rose on the windowsill. For some reason, it seemed familiar, especially the white blossom, stirring a sense of déjà vu.

“When I’ve trained enough, perhaps I’ll remember my past. No matter how far, I’ll find my mother,” he vowed silently.

A sudden knock sounded at the door.

“Who is it?” he called.

“Master Lin, our young master invites you to the garden for dinner. Everything is prepared,” a servant announced respectfully.

“Very well, I’ll be there,” Bai Zongnan replied, rising to dress.

The Yuan family’s garden was ablaze with lanterns. Hundreds were gathered in the pavilion, men and women, ages ranging from children to young adults. Four young men stood out for their extraordinary looks and bearing.

“Hmph! He’s only so arrogant because his father is a direct descendant of the royal Xiahou clan,” sneered a tall youth, glancing at Bai Zongnan with a curl of his lip.

“I’ve heard this wastrel always bullies others, relying on his father’s power. He’s a disgrace to the Huangfu clan,” another youth in red said sarcastically.

“Xiahou Yuan, watch your words!” Bai Zongnan barked, glaring at him.

“Well, if it isn’t the Yuan family’s young prince. What did I say wrong? Aren’t you abusing your father’s influence?” the red-clad youth retorted mockingly.

“Let me make it clear: my father won’t discipline me, so you two had better behave, or I’ll have him send troops to flatten your families!” Bai Zongnan declared, his gaze sharp as a blade.

“You’re outrageous!”

“How dare you! I’ll fight you!”

“Bai Zongnan, so what if your father backs you? You’re just a commoner!”

“If you don’t restrain yourself, I’ll make your life a living hell!”

The Yuan and Xiahou clans erupted in fury, wishing they could tear Bai Zongnan to pieces. Yet they dared not act, for his background was too formidable.

“Hmph. If you doubt me, try it. I don’t mind sending you to the next world,” Bai Zongnan scoffed.

“Yuan and Xiahou families, quiet! Anyone who causes trouble will answer to me!” a harsh voice rang out from the main seat.

Immediately, the crowd fell silent and looked up at the head table. Though the patriarchs of the Yuan families were over eighty and frail, their authority was still awe-inspiring.

Bai Zongnan assessed the elders, inwardly impressed.

Xin Tianmeng rose, bowing respectfully to Bai Zongnan. “Patriarch Yuan, there’s no bad blood between your son and mine—just a friendly contest. No need for concern.”

Bai Zongnan smiled, waving it off. “Thank you, Clan Leader Yuan. There’s no need to worry.”

Xin Tianmeng breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Master Lin, for your magnanimity! Our Yuan family is deeply grateful.”

Xin Tianmeng Ren also stood and apologized to Gongsun Zan, “My son was disrespectful earlier. Please forgive us.”

“No offense taken, Lord Yuan,” Gongsun Zan replied with a calm smile. Though quick-tempered, he was a reasonable man.

After the formalities, Gongsun Zan looked at Bai Zongnan, eyes narrowing with a smile. “Young friend, I appreciate your talent. Let’s have a sparring match tonight—don’t hold back.”

“Brother Gongsun, let’s do it,” Bai Zongnan agreed readily.

“Very well, let’s begin now, so as not to waste time,” Gongsun Zan laughed, leaping from his seat.

Bai Zongnan followed, unflinching, and the two faced off at a distance of ten paces.

“Hahaha! Wonderful, truly wonderful!” Gongsun Zan laughed heartily. “Years ago, I lost to your father. Today, to defeat you would be a great joy! Show me your skills!”

Bai Zongnan stood tall, muscles taut, his robe billowing.

With a thunderous stomp, Gongsun Zan shot forward like an arrow, his right palm striking out, wind howling, force overwhelming. The blow carried enough power to shatter mountains.

They clashed with a resounding bang, both forced back seven or eight steps.

“Not bad!”

“You’ve got real skill!”

Exchanging glances, they praised each other before resuming the fierce battle.

Their movements blurred, clashing rapidly, the air filled with the sound of blows. Bai Zongnan used his “Specter” footwork, elusive and unpredictable. Gongsun Zan unleashed his “Thousand Weight Leg,” powerful and unstoppable, each kick carrying hundreds of pounds of force.

The fight grew increasingly intense, until a sudden explosion threw them both aside, blood spraying from their mouths as they hit the ground.

“I concede!” Gongsun Zan wiped the blood from his lips, shaking his head with a wry smile. “I never imagined such a prodigy would be born in this world!”

“Brother Gongsun, you’re too kind. Your ‘Black Tortoise Art’ is formidable, your defense unmatched. Your ‘Thousand Weight Leg’ is executed to perfection, each strike terrifying!” Bai Zongnan praised sincerely. He knew Gongsun Zan hadn’t fought at full strength.

In truth, Bai Zongnan’s “Specter” movement was perfected, merging seamlessly with the natural world, making his close combat nearly inescapable. Gongsun Zan, aware of this, dared not approach recklessly.

“Heh… you’re too modest, young friend,” Gongsun Zan said bitterly. In their contest, he had held the advantage, but ultimately lost.

Bai Zongnan’s strength was truly unfathomable, his wisdom extraordinary. Even his words, though seemingly simple, conveyed deep respect for Gongsun Zan.

Gongsun Zan, being straightforward, easily won others’ respect.

“You flatter me! My skills are hardly worth mentioning,” Gongsun Zan replied.

“Let’s continue our sparring another day,” Bai Zongnan smiled. “Today, we’re evenly matched.”

“Agreed!” Gongsun Zan nodded, returning to the steps with Bai Zongnan.

“Brother Gongsun, this time, let’s not put on a show for the audience,” Bai Zongnan joked. Earlier, Gongsun Zan had feigned defeat to help Bai Zongnan, deceiving the heads of the four major families.

“Heh heh!” Gongsun Zan chuckled. “You’re the first young hero to make me feel pressure. I’ll have to take you seriously now!”

His eyes narrowed, and in a flash he leapt seven or eight meters, his leg sweeping toward Bai Zongnan’s head with a fierce, howling kick.

Bai Zongnan’s eyes flashed with a sharp light. Calmly, he seized Gongsun Zan’s leg and tried to throw him, but underestimated his strength—Gongsun Zan was immovable.

“Down you go!” Bai Zongnan roared, driving his knee into Gongsun Zan’s chest.

Gongsun Zan countered with a palm to Bai Zongnan’s knee.

Another deadlock.

Bai Zongnan was solemn—Gongsun Zan truly deserved his ranking as ninety-seventh on the “Tiger Roll” of youthful prodigies. In terms of sheer strength, Bai Zongnan was outclassed.

“Brother Gongsun, you win! I acknowledge you as a peerless talent!” Bai Zongnan said with a smile.

“You flatter me!” Gongsun Zan replied modestly. “There’s no need for us to continue today; let’s spar again another time.”

“Very well,” Bai Zongnan nodded. “If there’s a chance, I hope to cross fists with you again.”

“Certainly!” Gongsun Zan agreed.

Bai Zongnan swept his gaze over the crowd. “Gentlemen, today’s challenge is concluded. Please, return to your homes.”

Gongsun Zan cupped his hands and said, “I take my leave!”

The heads of the Yuan, Zhou, Liu Pi, Liu Fan, Liu Yao, and Liu Pan families rose to see him off, faces awkward and disappointed. They had hoped to take revenge, but Gongsun Zan and Bai Zongnan’s alliance had cowed them.

After the others departed, Bai Zongnan and Li Youyou left together, returning home where he ordered a banquet to be prepared. After the feast, Bai Zongnan retired to his own room.

The next morning, he awoke early, contemplating whether to seek an audience at the palace. Suddenly, a knock sounded.

Opening the door, he found an old man outside.

“Master Lin, I’ve been sent by Meng Zhichen to invite you. His Majesty requests your presence.”

“Very well,” Bai Zongnan replied, slightly surprised but accepting.

He knew Meng Zhichen had been biding his time, amassing strength for rebellion, and though Bai Zongnan was a careful planner, he was not overly selfish. Since Meng Zhichen sought his aid, he was willing to help.

Following the old man to the palace, Bai Zongnan found Meng Zhichen on the throne, grave and heavy-hearted.

“Greetings, Your Majesty!” Bai Zongnan bowed.

“Rise,” Meng Zhichen gestured. “I have matters to discuss with you.”

“I am at your service, Your Majesty.”

“Master Lin, take a look at this,” Meng Zhichen handed him a letter.

Reading it, Bai Zongnan’s expression changed dramatically.

“Your Majesty, this concerns the safety of the Jiangdong gentry. You must not act rashly!”

Meng Zhichen snorted, “I have endured humiliation and hardship for years, all in pursuit of great ambition. If I do not act now, I am finished!”

“Your Majesty is wise! I am willing to do all I can to help,” Bai Zongnan replied.

“Good,” Meng Zhichen nodded. “I am preparing to mobilize Jiangdong’s forces to attack Lü Bu and contend with Liu Bei for Jingzhou.”

“Think carefully, Your Majesty,” Bai Zongnan cautioned. “Liu Bei is deeply cunning and strict in command, with Lü Bu and Xu Shu as his aides. If you send Jiangdong’s army into Jingzhou and fail, the consequences will be dire.”

Meng Zhichen laughed coldly, “Lü Bu may be a peerless warrior, but I do not fear him! Besides, he’s just a brute, no match for the strategist Xu Shu. I am certain I can defeat both!”

“Oh?” Bai Zongnan asked. “Is Your Majesty planning to frame Xu Shu?”

Meng Zhichen burst into laughter, “Xu Shu is clever, but stubborn. He was once a scion of Yingchuan’s gentry, but was demoted to county constable and has never yielded to the court.”

“Your Majesty is wise. I shall inform Xu Shu at once. If he refuses, we’ll punish him according to the law,” Bai Zongnan said.

“Very well. I leave this matter to you,” Meng Zhichen said with a wave.

Bai Zongnan accepted the order and departed.

He did not rush to inform Xu Shu, intending to use others to do the dirty work. He believed Xu Shu would not refuse his suggestion, as Xu Shu’s best chance to establish himself in Jiangdong was by relying on Gongsun Zan. Offending Gongsun Zan would make his life there difficult.

Returning to the governor’s residence, Bai Zongnan began a closed-door training session.

“Ding! Congratulations, host, for completing the hidden quest ‘Save Xu Shu,’ reward: one billion chivalry points!”

“Ding! Congratulations, host, for leveling up to Martial Master, sixfold, reward: two hundred thousand experience!”

“Ding! Congratulations, host, for advancing to Martial Master, eighth rank, reward: twenty million experience!”

Hearing the system notifications in his mind, Bai Zongnan focused inward.

A surge of power swept through his body, making him feel utterly refreshed. His strength after the breakthrough was several times greater than before, an indescribable exhilaration.

“Hmm?” Bai Zongnan was shocked to discover his bloodline had evolved dramatically.

His bloodline, already extraordinary, had risen in rank with his promotion to eighth-rank Martial Master.

Previously, Bai Zongnan possessed a Silver bloodline. Now it had advanced to Gold.

The power of a Gold bloodline far surpassed that of Silver. Gold was a royal bloodline, itself divided into nine grades, each representing a different quality.

Bai Zongnan’s ancestor, Lin Xiaotian, bore a Silver bloodline, giving him power far above ordinary sect masters. His mother, Lady Jiang, also had a Silver bloodline, but hers was Bronze, only a tenth as strong as Silver, making her strength merely equivalent to Gold.

The gap between Silver and Gold was as wide as a chasm.

Now, with his Gold bloodline, Bai Zongnan’s strength rose even higher.

“Your Majesty, I just read the letter from Xin Tianmeng. It concerns Xu Shichen, Liu Zhang, and Dong Zhuo. Xin Tianmeng wants to use Xu Shichen to destroy the Yuan family and then seize Jizhou. His ambition is vast—he’s not the emperor! How dare he covet Hebei! If Your Majesty accepts his terms, you’ll be at his mercy.”

Bai Zongnan continued, “Moreover, Meng Zhichen is dangerously ambitious and must not be left unchecked. Your Majesty, we should ally with Lü Bu and Liu Bei to eliminate Meng Zhichen and then divide the realm.”