We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

Chapter 396: We Welcome the Northern Pacification Prince!

Xiao Shi and Xiao Mo left the Qin Kingdomʼs imperial capital, heading toward the Northern Frontier.

Xiao Mo didnʼt know what his father intended to do by bringing him to the Northern Frontier.

Whenever Xiao Mo asked, Xiao Shi would always say, ”Youʼll know when you get there.”

Half a month later.

Xiao Mo entered the Northern Frontierʼ provincial capital, Huang City.

It was already winter, and goose-feather snow was falling from the sky.

Compared to the snowy days in the Qin Kingdomʼs imperial capital, the heavy snow of the Northern Frontier seemed even more rugged.

As the saying goes, different lands nurture different people. The common folk in Huang City appeared as bold and unrestrained as the Northern Frontierʼ heavy snow itself.

Most of the cityʼs residents were tall and powerfully built.

”Young master, wonʼt you come play?”
”Honored guest, please come inside.”

”Speaking of this Frost Prince Xiao Mo, heʼs our princeʼs third son. Just watch him wielding his long spear...”

”Sangluo wine, finest Sangluo wine! Fifteen wen per catty! Absolutely potent Sangluo wine!”

The calls of courtesans soliciting customers, the shouts from restaurants and inns, storytelling voices, and wine shop ownersʼ boasts all mixed together.

Though ordinary, somehow it gave off an even stronger sense of jianghu atmosphere.

On both sides of the street, wine shops were the most numerous.

After all, the Northern Frontier were rather desolate. Only the wine there was potent enough. The most famous among them was Sangluo wine.

Additionally, in Huang City, both men and women mostly carried swords and blades.

Xiao Mo had long heard that Huang City favored martial arts, and that most people loved drinking.

Seeing it now, this was indeed the case.

Like in the roadside wine shops, roughly one-third of those seated were women, quite embodying the demeanor of heroic swordswomen.

Among the traditional garments of Northern Frontier women, there was a type of skirt called the ”Northern Frontier Skirt.”

If the Northern Frontier Skirt were worn in the Qin Kingdomʼs imperial capital, it would be considered scandalously improper attire, but in the Northern Frontier, it was perfectly ordinary.

The Northern Frontier Skirt had slits at the bottom, though the women mostly wore undergarments that reached their upper thighs. This style of skirt was both form-fitting and convenient.

Northern Frontier women mostly had long legs.

So with each step a woman took, one could see the fair, delicate long legs beneath her skirt, extremely eye-catching.

Before long, the carriage stopped at the entrance to the Northern Pacification Princeʼs Manor.

Xiao Mo and Xiao Shi both descended from the carriage and walked into the Northern Pacification Princeʼs Manor.

The moment he stepped into the Northern Pacification Princeʼs Manor, Xiao Mo saw that the manorʼs servants and maids were all standing on both sides, calling out in unison, ”We respectfully welcome the prince.”

Looking at these servants and maids, Xiao Mo discovered they were all martial Dao cultivators, and some of them had considerable cultivation levels.

”Mm.” Xiao Shi nodded, saying to everyone, ”From today onward, Third Young Master Xiao Mo will be your new master. Henceforth, his words are this princeʼs words. Do you understand?”

”Yes! Your Highness!” After the servants and maids responded, they called out in unison again, ”We respectfully welcome Young Master!”

”Qiu Wen.”

Xiao Shi called out.

”This servant is here.”

A moment later, a maid walked over.

This maid was exceptionally beautiful. In Xiao Moʼs view, she was second only to Qin Siyao, on the same level as Jin Kingdomʼs eldest princess, Ji Yue.

Moreover, her figure was extremely exaggerated. Even though she wore the simple maidʼs dress of Misty Rain Clear Cascade, her chest seemed about to burst through her clothes.

”Qiu Wen, from today onward, you belong to Third Young Master. Understand?” Xiao Shi said.

A flash of surprise crossed the eyes of the maid named Qiu Wen, but she still nodded, ”Understood, Your Highness.”

Xiao Shi turned around again, saying to Xiao Mo, ”Xiao Mo, rest at the Northern Pacification Princeʼs Manor for the next few days. If you need anything in the manor, just tell Qiu Wen. From today, Qiu Wen is yours. Sheʼs still pure and innocent. You may do with her as you wish. There are many things you donʼt understand that Qiu Wen does. Sheʼll explain them to you slowly.”

”Yes, Father.”

Xiao Mo nodded, then glanced at Qiu Wen.

Such a woman should only be fifty years old by bone age, yet her cultivation realm had already reached Nascent Soul.

A woman like this would be treasured wherever she went, whether in any kingdom or sect.

In Xiao Moʼs view, this person was definitely more than just a simple maid.

”Alright, I still have some matters to handle, so I wonʼt keep you company.” Xiao Shi patted Xiao Moʼs shoulder. ”When Iʼve prepared everything, Iʼll come get you.”

With those words, Xiao Shi said nothing more and turned to leave the manor.

Soon, the servants and maids all dispersed.

Qiu Wen walked forward, smiling, ”Master, please follow Qiu Wen.”

”Thank you, Miss.” Xiao Mo followed Qiu Wen toward the manorʼs rear courtyard.

The Northern Pacification Princeʼs Manor in the Northern Frontier was about the same size and scale as the Xiao Princeʼs Manor in the Qin Kingdomʼs imperial capital, only more austere.

The manor had no luxurious decorations, nor any precious spiritual flowers or grasses.

If he had to choose between the Northern Pacification Princeʼs Manor and the Xiao Princeʼs Manor, Xiao Mo preferred the Northern Frontierʼ Northern Pacification Princeʼs Manor.

Qiu Wen, who was leading the way beside him, glanced at Xiao Mo. As if guessing what Xiao Mo was thinking, she said with a smile, ”The Northern Pacification Princeʼs Manor has no wives or concubines residing here. In comparison, quite a few Northern Frontier generals stay here instead. So in the Northern Frontier Princeʼs Manor, many of the courtyards belong to those generals. For instance, thereʼs General Fang Weimingʼs courtyard, General Zhang Kuiʼs courtyard, General Liuʼs courtyard. Oh, and the generals youʼre familiar with, General Li Jing and General Zhao Guang, also stay here when they come to Huang City.”

Hearing Qiu Wenʼs words, Xiao Mo furrowed his brow, his tone carrying some vigilance, ”It seems Miss knows quite a bit about me, knowing that Iʼm closest to General Li and General Zhao.”

Qiu Wen didnʼt answer. Her face still wore that smile that seemed neither close nor distant. She continued speaking to herself, ”Besides the various generalsʼ residences, the Northern Pacification Princeʼs Manor also houses some covert Northern Frontier military organizations. Master, youʼve been in the military for years and fought on the battlefield for so long. You must understand this as well.”

Qiu Wen continued walking forward.

Before long, Qiu Wen brought Xiao Mo to a courtyard.

”Please stay here for now, Master. In these coming days, this servant will bring some things for Master to review. If Master has no other business, this servant will withdraw.” Qiu Wen smiled.

”Why do you address me as master?” Xiao Mo asked.

”Because Master is Master.”

With those words, Qiu Wen said no more. She curtsied and turned to leave.

The next day.

Qiu Wen delivered documents that could fill nearly half the courtyard.

These documents were all about various Northern Frontier organizations.

They included the Crafting Bureau, responsible for forging armor and weapons.

In the Crafting Bureauʼs documents, the names of blacksmith masters and Mohist disciples were all recorded. Each masterʼs temperament and each apprenticeʼs potential were clearly documented.

The Arsenalʼs documents contained the quantities of weapons and armor, the grades and types of magical treasures, and even the talismans and array flags used for killing, all accounted for without error.

The Horse Raising Bureauʼs documents detailed the ages, quantities, and qualities of the Snow-Treading Horses with extreme precision.

Even the Northern Frontierʼ intelligence and assassination organization, the Huang Tower, had its assassinsʼ names, portraits, aliases, cultivation realms, and even life experiences all presented before Xiao Mo.

The true name of the Huang Towerʼs tower master was Qiu Wen.

Qiu Wenʼs portrait was identical to her standing before Xiao Mo.

”Does Master find this servantʼs portrait attractive?” Even under Xiao Moʼs continuous scrutinizing gaze, Qiu Wen only smiled gently.

”The real person is more beautiful than the portrait.” Xiao Mo put away the portrait.

Qiu Wen was slightly startled, then smiled, ”Thank you for Masterʼs praise. This servant is very happy. His Highness the Prince has ordered that Master must memorize these Northern Frontier documents within three days. After three days, this servant will come to collect them.”

”I understand.” Xiao Mo nodded.

”This servant wonʼt disturb Master any further. If Master needs anything, you may call for this servant at any time.”

Qiu Wen curtsied and withdrew again.

Sure enough, after three days passed, Qiu Wen came to the courtyard and collected all the documents.

Two more days passed.

On the morning of that day, as Xiao Mo was meditating with closed eyes in the courtyard, someone knocked on the courtyard gate.

Xiao Mo opened his eyes and walked forward to open the gate.

Xiao Shi stood before Xiao Mo.

”Father.” Xiao Mo bowed in salute.

”Mm.” Xiao Shi nodded, saying, ”Everything is nearly prepared. Letʼs go. You can come with me now.”

”Yes.”

Xiao Mo didnʼt ask where they were going. In any case, he would know soon enough.

Father and son walked along Huang Cityʼs streets, as if taking a leisurely stroll, heading toward the city outskirts. However, both were using techniques. Though they appeared to walk slowly, each step actually covered ten zhang.

”Did you finish reading those documents about the Northern Frontier that Qiu Wen brought you?” Xiao Shi asked Xiao Mo.

”I finished them.” Xiao Mo nodded.

”After reading them, what do you think?”

”They were somewhat beyond my expectations.”

Those documents had indeed exceeded Xiao Moʼs expectations.

Xiao Mo knew the Northern Frontier had strong autonomy, but he hadnʼt expected the Northern Frontier to be so independent, almost possessing all the functions of a nation.

Beyond that, the Northern Frontier had actually been guarding against the Qin Kingdom all along.

For instance, the life stories and preferences of Qin Kingdom officials were all recorded one by one by the Huang Tower.

Even in the Qin Kingdomʼs court, one-third of the officials had some connection to the Northern Frontier.

One could say that if the Northern Frontier wanted to become independent, they needed only to make a declaration.

Xiao Shi smiled, knowing what kind of meaning Xiao Moʼs ”beyond my expectations” carried. ”After our ancestor helped the previous emperor conquer this territory, they originally planned for each person to divide a piece of land and establish their own nation, but our ancestor refused. In the end, the previous emperor managed internal affairs while our ancestor was responsible for expanding the territory. Including you, across five lifetimes, weʼve achieved the Qin Kingdomʼs current strength and vast territory.”

Xiao Shi glanced at Xiao Mo and continued, ”When Qin Shengtian told you that you could replace him, he wasnʼt lying. He truly meant it. Shengtian and I have known each other since childhood. He knows that no matter what, I would never lead the Northern Frontier to establish an independent nation. I also know that in Shengtianʼs heart, thereʼs only the Qin Kingdom, only our ancestorsʼ legacy. So in his heart, even if it meant handing the Qin Kingdom over to my Xiao family, he wouldnʼt want to see the Qin Kingdom decline and a thousand years of legacy destroyed in one fell swoop.”

”Xiao Mo, though you and I havenʼt interacted much as father and son, I know youʼre not someone who values power and position. This is both good and not good.”

Xiao Shi spoke earnestly.

”I donʼt know what path youʼll take next, but even if one day you lead the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry into the Qin Kingdomʼs imperial capital, this father wonʼt say much. That will all be your choice. Each generationʼs master of the Northern Frontier should have their own choice.”

Hearing Xiao Shiʼs words, Xiao Moʼs brow furrowed slightly.

At this moment, Xiao Mo had already vaguely guessed why his father had brought him to the Northern Frontier.

”Xiao Mo, the reason I brought you back this time is because I donʼt have much time left.”

Xiao Shi crushed the jade pendant at his waist.

In an instant, Xiao Mo could sense his fatherʼs extremely weak life fire.

Xiao Shiʼs life fire couldnʼt even compare to a candle flickering in the wind. It was merely a tiny spark.

If not for him clinging to a single breath, even that spark might have been extinguished.

”After Bai Qi died, I led the army to break through the siege. If not for Zhang Kui protecting me with his life, I would already be dead. But even surviving, my injuries were too severe. My days are numbered. In the end, I used this Heaven-Continuing Jade to hold onto my last breath and handle my final affairs. Now, Iʼve nearly exhausted this Heaven-Continuing Jade. Fortunately, rushing here and there, the timing is just right.”

As Xiao Shiʼs words landed, he waved his hand and instantly brought Xiao Mo to Snow Flower Pass, a hundred li outside Huang City.

Father and son ascended the walls of Snow Flower Pass.

Xiao Mo looked down.

A total of four hundred thousand Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry and one million two hundred thousand Northern Frontier infantry were arrayed across the wilderness.

Before the military formation stood the Northern Frontierʼ various generals.

”Is the entire army present?”

Xiao Shi stepped forward and asked the entire army.

”Reporting to the Northern Pacification Prince!” Below the wall, Fang Weiming stepped forward and called out loudly, ”The Northern Frontier has a total of fifty-seven generals, four hundred thousand two hundred and twenty-one Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry, and one million two hundred and five thousand Northern Frontier infantry! All present!”

”Very good.” Xiao Shi nodded, turned around, and smiled at Xiao Mo, ”Why are you standing there? Come here.”

Xiao Mo walked forward and stood beside Xiao Shi.

”From today onward, Xiao Mo, you are the Northern Pacification Prince, the master of the Northern Frontier. Iʼm placing the Northern Frontierʼ three provinces, eighty million common folk, and one million six hundred thousand soldiers all in your hands!”

Xiao Shi looked directly into Xiao Moʼs eyes and asked seriously, ”Xiao Mo, are you willing to swear on your Dao heart that from this day forward, you will treat the Northern Frontierʼ people as your children, use your entire life, never fail the Northern Frontier, and protect the Northern Frontier?”

Xiao Mo bowed deeply in salute, his voice carrying across the entire army, ”Xiao Mo is willing!”

”Good!”

Xiao Shi nodded, turned around, and looked toward the great army.

”Northern Frontier Army, don the masks!”

As Xiao Shiʼs voice landed, the one million six hundred thousand Northern Frontier troops produced the orderly sound of armor clashing.

They took out Asura masks and covered their faces.

The entire army was solemn beyond measure, looking up at the city wall.

Xiao Shi patted Xiao Moʼs shoulder, ”Once, beneath Yanmen Pass, you had the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry wear Asura masks and crushed the enemy army, becoming famous throughout the land. Now, four hundred thousand Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry and one million two hundred thousand Northern Frontier infantry all wear Asura masks to campaign alongside you!”

With those words, Xiao Shi called out to the entire army, ”Welcome the Northern Pacification Prince!”

”We welcome the Northern Pacification Prince!”

”We welcome the Northern Pacification Prince!”

”We welcome the Northern Pacification Prince!”

The shouts of one million six hundred thousand Northern Frontier troops shook the heavens, breaking through the firmament, echoing for a thousand li.

Amid the armyʼs shouts, Xiao Shi gazed into the distance, his hand stroking the city wall. With a smile on his face, he gradually closed his eyes.

”Northern Pacification Prince, I entrust the Northern Frontier to you.”

A breeze swept across the city wall. The spark of this old generalʼs life fire finally extinguished yet he still stood like a statue on the city wall, forever watching over the Northern Frontier.

Xiao Mo stepped back, straightened his garments, and bowed deeply.

The armyʼs shouts stopped. Like a tide, they cupped their fists and bowed deeply.

”We respectfully send off the Northern Pacification Prince!”