e market."I want to go back to the General's Mansion, I haven't been there in three days."I also wonder how my mother is managing the household now."Alright, I'll go have a meal with my mother-in-law...They didn't know that the Yao Clan's treasure was no longer a secret in the eyes of the world. The identity of the Yao Clan Saint Master had long been exposed along with Xi'er's, and their portraits had already been purchased by those who were interested. How could the Mother Goddess escape

"It was this general's negligence. If there is anywhere this general can be of use, Your Highness, please do not hesitate to command."

General Li's attitude had changed, but his loyalty to Duke Gulong remained unchanged. He was just straightforward and didn't like beating around the bush; he would ask whatever he wanted. Duke Gulong had long been accustomed to his manner and didn't think anything of it.

"Keep a close eye on the surrounding countries, Your Majesty. I fear there will be changes at the start of the year."

General Li responded, "This subordinate will obey your orders." His voice was loud and powerful.

Dugu Cheng watched the snow outside. Winters here were almost entirely spent in wind and snow. It was difficult to get a glimpse of the water tank’s situation, so he could only pray for good weather that would give them a chance.

After General Li left, Deputy General Sun arrived.

"General Sun, why are you not resting at this late hour What brings you before me"

Sun, the deputy general, confirmed that everyone outside could hear him, and then said, "My lord, I have an idea, I don't know if it can be of help"

Dugu Cheng raised his eyebrows slightly. "General Sun, who are you referring to"

"The incident at the water tank."

Dugu City narrowed his eyes, General Sun knelt on one knee, his gaze firm, which gave Dugu City a fright.

"This humble servant is willing to go down to the pond and investigate. I hope Your Highness will grant permission."

獨孤城 hurriedly walked over to help him up. "General Sun, your injuries are not yet healed. I will arrange for others to go into the water."

"My Lord, there's no one more suitable for this task than myself."

General Sun glanced at the door, “Your Highness, this subordinate dares to ask for your approval on one thing.”

"What's the matter" Dugu City asked in a deep voice. Sun, the deputy general, opened his mouth and said, "Your Highness, do you still remember the gunpowder that the princess developed back then"

"General Sun, what do you mean by that Do you intend to make explosives and blow up the lake surface yourself"

Sun, the deputy general, nodded and looked at Dugu City's furrowed brows. He hurriedly added, "The last general didn't mean to expose the explosives. I just think that the water in this pond is so cold. If we use explosives to blast open the ice surface and dive in, on the one hand, we can take advantage of the residual heat left after the explosion to prolong our time underwater. Perhaps we can find out the mystery under the pond."

"What are your chances"

Dugu Cheng narrowed his eyes, and Sun's deputy general said with a resolute look, "I don't have any certainty, but even if I sacrifice my life, I wouldn't regret it. All I want is to find the princess's mother for her."

"Xi'er wouldn't agree to you doing that."

Sun, the deputy general, was cultivated by Xi'er with her own hands. If Xi'er knew that General Sun was going to venture into the water, she would certainly not agree.

"Your Majesty, I knew the Princess wouldn't agree, so I ask you to grant my request."

General Sun clasped his hands together, his gaze resolute. "My lord, if there is another mystery beneath this pond, and the princess's mother moved from outside the pond to elsewhere, then if we give up, we will never find her. The princess would be heartbroken. I do not want to see the princess sad."

Dugu City heard the words of Sun's deputy general, his handsome face darkened.

"General Sun, this matter I cannot agree to. Seeking out my mother is important, but your life is equally so. Besides, there has been no resolution near the precipice, and it would be unwise to rush into such danger."

Dugu City rejected him, not only because his proposed method was too dangerous, but also because he didn't want the explosives to be exposed. After all, the pool of water under the cliff was near the Yao tribe, and an explosion would cause a lot of vibration, fearing it would attract unnecessary attention.

But, Your Highness...

"There's no need." Dugu City interrupted Sun Vice General's words, looking at the anxiety in his eyes, he said in a deep voice, "You are someone Xi Er wants to protect. This King will not let you take risks."

"My Lord, I am unworthy of such protection from the Princess. I also wish to share her worries..."

"No need."

Dugu Cheng looked at him, "Go back to rest and recuperate. Xi'er is this king's queen, and this king can protect her."

General Sun was driven out by Dugu City. Before leaving, he still glared at Dugu City resentfully, but in the end, he didn't say anything. The King had spoken, what could he do The King always obeyed the Queen's orders.

The news of Dugu City's search for Shan quickly spread among the several tribes around the cliff. All the surrounding tribes were frightened by Dugu City's actions, each one trembling with fear. It was almost the end of the year, the snowstorm was so heavy, and coupled with Dugu City's reputation on the battlefield, how could they not be terrified.

The bed in the Sacred Maiden's chamber was soft and warm, Feng Lingxi slept soundly, even the weariness from days of travel vanished.

He overslept, and the elders of the Yao clan had a heated disagreement. This Yao Clan Saintess, who had just returned, slept until the sun was high in the sky even though the chieftain was still around. She wouldn't let anyone disturb her, which was unheard of! It was an act that shamed the Yao Clan for a thousand years.

"Xiaoli, what time is it"

Feng Ling Xi woke up and glanced out the window at the swirling snow. She pulled the covers tighter, unwilling to get up.

"Your Majesty, it's almost noon."

Little Li glanced outside the hall, "The elders of the Yao clan have sent people to urge several times, all of whom were turned away by the maids."

Why

Hearing it was almost noon, Feng Lingxi didn't dare to stay in bed. She hurried up and washed herself.

"It was the Chief's order, saying no one is allowed to disturb your rest and make you wake up."

Feng Lingxi's movements froze slightly, her brows furrowed.

"Luo Li is trying to suffocate those old geezers."

Feng Lingxi curled her lips into a smile, freshened up, and looked at the fourteen or fifteen girls guarding the gate. "Tell them to prepare lunch, I'm hungry."

Xiao Li walked to the door and instructed, "Fourteen and Fifteen opened their mouths and said, 'Holy Maiden, the Clan Chief sent someone to deliver a message. Holy Maiden, come to his place for a meal when you wake up.'"

Feng Lingxi held her cloak, "Let's go. After we eat, there are still many things to deal with."

Feng Lingxi just stepped out of the Sacred Maiden's Hall when the news reached the ears of the Yao Clan elders. Just as they were about to intercept her, they learned that the Sacred Maiden had been invited by the clan leader to have a meal at the Holy Temple. No one dared to disturb her, so they could only wait with clenched fists, their faces turning green with suppressed anger.

The Temple

Luo Li had already had the meal prepared and was watching Feng Ling Xi approach gracefully. She signaled for someone to open the food, and after Feng Ling Xi sat down, she said, "I knew you'd be hungry when you woke up, so I had someone prepare a meal. It seems my timing is just right."

Feng Lingxi looked at the dishes on the table and said to Xiaoli, "You and Fourteen and Fifteen should eat together. I don't need you to wait on me here."

Xiao Li responded and retreated. Feng Lingxi looked at Luoli's eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips, and said, "Go on, what do you want to say Are you spoiling me so much just to anger those elders, or are you proclaiming my status as the Saintess of the Yao clan"

Both have.

Luoli gave her a bowl of soup, smiling.

"I heard that last night, the Great Elder and Second Elder both went to your Holy Maiden's Hall and talked with you for a while before leaving."

"They said my mother's story, that she wanted to open the treasure vault. They tried to persuade her, but she wouldn't listen. My mother jumped off a cliff in the forbidden zone, and her whereabouts are unknown. They sent people to look for her, but they found nothing, and they say it is unlikely she survived."to be the Crown Princess, could she marry me"Du Gu Cheng really couldn't stand it anymore. They seemed not to see him at all. He had been here for so long, they were discussing things seriously, Xi Er...