In Mianshui County, it was like dancing on a tightrope. Even if you successfully took ninety-nine steps, it was useless because one wrong step could plummet you into an abyss.
Those ninety-nine steps would have been in vain.
Therefore, she became fearful.
She dreaded the day it might be her husband who died.
She truly did not know how she would live if her husband were to die.
Like a walking corpse perhaps?
She was scared, truly frightened.
Chen Jie could feel his wifeâs inner thoughts, but he could not give her any assurances.
It was an era of great contention!
Without contention, only a wretched end awaited.
If they retreated to the village, what could he use to protect her if the enemies pursued them there?
To protect their home?
The moment he set foot on this path, there were no retreats left, only forward.
Struggling in the most perilous circles was the only way to gain power, influence, and the resources needed for his training.
There was no choice, this was the world of great contention.
There was no lying down; to lie down was to wait for death.
Only by proactively planning and striking could one inch closer to the core of this world and gain more, to have the power to protect oneself.
Just like now.
If he had chosen to stay in the village, how could he have entered the Iron Bone Realm in such a short time?
Take Wu Zhong and Yu Biao, for example. They had spent half their lifetimes in the village, still struggling in the Refining Body Realm, not even reaching it.
But he had joined White Tiger Hall and successively broken through the Willow Tendon Realm and the Iron Bone Realm, becoming a notable figure even in Mianshui.
These were things he couldnât even dream of in Xiantao Village.
Thus, Chen Jie couldnât promise his wife to retreat; there was no going back.
In Jianghu, one doesnât have control over their fate.
Could he retreat?
No!
Because retreating would inevitably lead to a crisis that was hard to resolve, and advancing bravely, although fraught with dangers, always offered opportunities.
Strive to be the strongest, only the strongest could protect everyone he wanted to protect!
Chen Jie helped his wife tidy her disheveled hair and looked into her expectant eyes, saying, "Iâm sorry, I canât promise you."
Su Yunjin, slightly disappointed upon hearing this, quickly nodded and said, "Then husband, just try your best. Donât worry about me, Iâll be fine."
Chen Jie smiled and rubbed her head, saying, "How could I not worry about you, silly girl."
At that moment, Third Miss Hua came over and asked, "Jiu Si, what did that woman say to you just now?"
"Oh, she said Yunjin is a good woman and told me to cherish her well."
"Thatâs it?"
Third Miss Hua looked skeptical as Chen Jie said, "She deliberately whispered in my ear just to create discord between us."
Third Miss Hua glanced suspiciously at Chen Jie, then turned to Su Yunjin and asked, "Yunjin, do you believe him?"
Su Yunjin nodded and said, "My husband wonât lie to me."
Third Miss Hua remarked, "Youâre quite confident."
"But Jiu Si, having won this duel, youâve made quite a reputation in Mianshui County. With reputation often comes power and wealth, and there will certainly be many women approaching you for wealth in the future. I hope you wonât do anything to betray Yunjin and not be seduced by those vixens, causing Yunjin heartache."
"Sister!"
Su Yunjin immediately interrupted Third Miss Hua.
"My husband wonât do that."
She defended Chen Jie.
Chen Jie said, "Big sister, donât worry, I wonât let my wife be heartbroken."
"Thatâs good then."
While they were talking, someone else shouted, "Fifth Master, the Hall Master is calling you."
Hearing this, Chen Jie said, "Alright, Iâm coming."
Turning to Third Miss Hua, he added, "Big sister, please take Yunjin home, I still have some matters to handle."
"Remember my words!"
Chen Jie assured, "Donât worry, big sister."
Watching Chen Jie walk away, Su Yunjin said, "Sister Hua, why did you say those things just now? My husband is not that kind of person."
"Hmph, my silly sister, is there a cat that doesnât steal food in this world? Youâre just naive and easily deceived. I have to be the bad person here, otherwise, youâd be sold off and still be speaking well of the seller!"
"But, but that will upset my husband."
"I donât care if heâs upset, Iâm not marrying him!"
"Sister, youâre soft and easily bullied. My brother-in-law is so outstanding; there will definitely be little vixens around him in the future. If I donât support you, those vixens might end up walking all over you."
"Remember this, you are Chen Jiu Siâs bride carried in a sedan chair, officially wedded, and you should be strong-willed!"
Su Yunjin remarked, "Hehe, what great lady, young lady, it sounds like competing for favor in the Emperorâs harem."
"Then you should be the Empress!"
Third Miss Hua declared...
At that moment, Chen Jie arrived at the high platform. By then, the Thirteen Grand Protectors had almost all departed, leaving only two people, Peng Shizhong and Qimu Ge.
"Come Jiu Si, let me introduce you. This is the Black Armor Commander from Darugachi Mansion, Lord Qimu Ge."
Upon hearing this, Chen Jie immediately realized, Mulan people!
He bowed respectfully and said, "Iâve seen the Lord."
Qimu Ge responded, "Hmm, I just wanted to see you, a young man of your age with such talent is not easy to find. Our lord is very fond of young people like you."
Chen Jie immediately bowed and said, "I am willing to dedicate my life for Lord Darugachi!"
Qimu Ge looked at Chen Jie and remarked, "You are quite impressive, keep it up. White Tiger Hall will surely serve the court better under your command."
"Yes."
Peng Shizhong, hearing these words and understanding the undertones in Qimu Geâs remarks, however, did not show too much reaction.