Everyone paused for a moment when they saw his face, exclaiming in surprise, "Young Master Lu!"
Lu Yunsheng let out a deep sigh of relief and quickly wiped his face with a sleeve.
"Oh, finally! Iâve found you all. This Yunhang County Town is truly terrifying.
You wouldnât believe it; more than half the people in this town are out of their senses. In the middle of the night, they meditate, and black smoke rises from their bodies. The sight of it is indescribably frightening."
"How did you end up here, Young Master Lu? I remember you came to Yunhang County with your father, didnât you? Where is he?
What about the officials who came to Yunhang County on a relief mission with you?
Where are they now?"
"Theyâre all in the Yunhang County jail. Iâll take you there!"
After saying this, Lu Yunsheng led Deputy General Wang and the others towards the Yunhang County jail.
"By the way, Deputy General Wang, have you met the National Master?
Ten days ago, I encountered the National Master and informed him of the situation here. Later, I parted ways with him to fetch some things, and when I returned, I couldnât find him.
Soon after, I noticed the townspeople behaving strangely. They would be perfectly fine, doing their own tasks, then suddenly lose their minds. Theyâd sit cross-legged on the spot, and start breathing exercises, with black smoke suddenly emanating from them!
They would kneel in a certain direction, and some would even convulse. Not long after, theyâd faint, as if their energy had been entirely drained."
"Such a bizarre occurrence!" Deputy General Wang exclaimed in astonishment.
"Indeed, itâs bizarre. I had arranged with the National Master that I would fetch some things and then meet them. But when I got there, the place was already in ruins."
"The National Master and the others are now trapped on Gu Feng Mountain. Once we rescue Master Lu and the others, Iâll leave you some men, and you can escort them back to the Capital City immediately!"
Deputy General Wang suggested.
Lu Yunsheng, however, refused, "I cannot return to the Capital yet. Please, Deputy General Wang, send some men to escort my father and the other officials back. I have other important matters to attend to!"
Hearing this, Deputy General Wang was quite surprised, "What matters? Are lives at stake? Do you know how dangerous Yunhang County is right now?"
"Of course, I know the danger here, but the matter I must attend to is of great importance. I have an agreement with the National Master!"
With this statement, Deputy General Wang understood that he meant to handle matters on behalf of the National Master. Say no more, he had to respect the National Masterâs involvement.
"In that case, so be it!"
Deputy General Wang let him have his way.
Lu Yunsheng inwardly took a deep breath of relief and followed Deputy General Wang forward after a deep breath.
The last time he met the National Master, he inadvertently heard him say that His Majesty was in Yunhang!
This was a perfect opportunity for His Majesty to show himself; how could he miss the chance to head back to the Capital early?
Lu Yunsheng did not realize that if he had listened to Deputy General Wang and obediently returned to the Capital this time, his career might have been smoother in the future.
But should he insist on staying this time, it was uncertain what would await him.
On the peak of Gu Feng Mountain outside Yunhang County Town, the mystical bird suddenly became restless. It flew into the Daoist Templeâs courtyard, calling out in low tones.
Xiaosuisui and Xie PanâEr emerged from the room simultaneously.
"Mystical bird, whatâs wrong?"
Xie PanâEr quickly stepped forward to embrace the mystical birdâs neck, soothing it.
She then turned anxiously to everyone, "The mystical bird says the Southern soldiers have begun ascending the mountain."
Everyoneâs expressions were grave. Dugu looked at Ji Youzhi, "What do you think?"
Ji Youzhi looked at the National Master. The only option was to break through, but the plan originally agreed upon with the Emperor could no longer be used.
The National Masterâs expression was also quite serious.
Xie PanâEr asked the mystical bird, "Mystical bird! Is there a place nearby where we can hide and catch them off guard?"
As she spoke, the mystical bird stretched its head and rubbed its head against her leg.
Xie PanâErâs face turned extremely serious.
"How is it?"
The Emperor couldnât help but ask when he saw the expression on Xie PanâErâs face.
Xie PanâEr answered with difficulty, "The mystical bird says itâs impossible to hide; there are just too many Southern soldiers. However, it can fly us down the mountain, but there are too many of us."
The implication was clear; not everyone could fit on its back.
Like Li Yanyan, for instance!
In fact, the mystical bird originally said it definitely wouldnât carry the blind National Master and Li Yanyan!
But Xie PanâEr, respecting the National Masterâs face, softened the message and glanced at Li Yanyan, whose eyes were swollen from crying!