Chapter 38

At this moment, the entire Tian Shui Earl's Manor was deathly silent.

Soning Bing already knew about the king's new decree, and her heart was instantly filled with despair.

The foundation of the Suo family was about to be destroyed by her. Although Lan Ling was intelligent, he had only less than five months to study and practice martial arts. It was impossible for him to pass the final exam, let alone rank in the top ten to receive the Noble Warrior Medal.

Why? Why?

The city of Tian Shui was conquered by the Suo family's ancestors, not granted by the royal family. Why should the royal family be able to take it away so easily?

The Suo family's rule over Tian Shui City was even longer than the establishment of the Nulang Kingdom. If it weren't for the Suo family's ancestors choosing to submit to the Ji family, how could the royal family have pacified the entire southeastern region?

The king of that time held the Suo family's patriarch and said, "You are my benefactor. Your family will share the world with my kingdom. The glory and prosperity of your family will last as long as the kingdom."

These words still echoed in her ears, yet now, for the sake of the Ji family's strategy, the royal family had bared its fangs, ready to put their benefactor to death.

How could such a powerful royal family bully two widowed sisters and a weak brother? Why?

Lan Ling had just arrived home when his sister, Soning Bing, directly rushed into his arms.

"Little brother, I truly regret agreeing to Jingyu's request. I shouldn't have involved you. You are so outstanding, yet now you have to be buried with the Suo family."

At this moment, Ye Jingyu's eyes were also filled with regret. If she had known the outcome, she wouldn't have let Lan Ling impersonate Suo Lun.

Lan Ling was truly outstanding, whether in martial talent, wisdom, or artistic accomplishment, he was one in ten thousand. He should have had a brilliant future, but now he had been dragged into the conflict between the Suo family and the royal family, becoming a sacrifice.

Lan Ling gently hugged his sister, patted her back, and said softly, "Sister, we may not necessarily lose Tian Shui City."

Soning Bing said, "You don't need to comfort me."

Lan Ling said, "As long as I rank in the top ten in the final exam and receive the Noble Warrior Medal, the royal family will have to let me inherit the title and the position of City Lord of Tian Shui."

Soning Bing was taken aback, not expecting Lan Ling to still have such thoughts.

To rank in the top ten in the final exam, one needed to at least become a Second-Class Warrior Archer in martial arts alone.

Even the most talented people in the world would need five to six years. Lan Ling hadn't even completed his启蒙 (basic training) and had only four months, which was completely a dream.

Soning Bing suspected that Lan Ling had lost his mind due to anger. However, she couldn't bring herself to say anything sarcastic or negative.

In the short month they had spent together, she had already completely regarded Lan Ling as family, completely replacing her real brother, Suo Lun.

However, Ye Jingyu had no such reservations and bluntly said, "Suo Lun, this is completely impossible. Even the strongest person in the world, Jiang Shang, couldn't achieve this in three years."

Lan Ling said, "I want to try. Even if I die, I will give it my all, so I can have no regrets."

Ye Jingyu didn't speak, but Soning Bing said, "Alright, sister supports you. I still say, if it comes to it, we will die together."

Lan Ling said, "In about ten days, I will head to the kingdom's border for practical combat training."

Soning Bing's beautiful eyes trembled. It was too dangerous there, and she was extremely reluctant, but she still nodded and said, "Alright, sister supports you."

Ye Jingyu said, "No, you haven't completed the third step of启蒙 (basic training) and cannot enter practical combat training."

Lan Ling said, "I have completed it, but I pretended not to, fearing you would think I was too monstrous."

With that, Lan Ling used his consciousness to command the demon star to release a force, then controlled this force with his consciousness, moving it through his body and shooting it out from his finger.

The force was very weak, like a breeze blowing on Ye Jingyu's face.

However, this proved that Lan Ling had completed the third step of启蒙 (basic training), Dragon Force Control.

She was truly stunned. Others needed several months to complete Dragon Force Control, but Lan Ling only needed half a day. He was really a prodigy.

Perhaps, after three months of practical combat training, Lan Ling might have a surprise in the final exam.

If that were the case, he would truly shock everyone.

...

In the following ten days, Lan Ling didn't return home, eating and sleeping in the Feather Transformation Pavilion.

In the eyes of many people, he had completely given up, indulging in a life of luxury. In reality, Lan Ling was working tirelessly to pay off a debt. What debt?

Drawing posters for the remaining eighteen beauties, designing their appearances based on their characteristics, and clearly outlining the promotional methods.

Since he had earned this money, he had to take responsibility and complete the task.

Despite the urgency of the situation, he needed as much time as possible for practical combat training, but this was not an excuse to shirk his duties.

So, he only rested for two to three hours each day, working tirelessly, drawing, and writing promotional plans.

Many girls were heartbroken and said they could do it later.

But this was directly related to the interests of these women and the brothels behind them. How could he betray their trust?

After nine days of non-stop drawing and writing promotional plans, he finally completed the remaining nineteen beauties' designs, promotions, and posters.

Then, he collapsed on Yimanan's bed, sleeping soundly, not waking up.

After sleeping for twelve hours, Lan Ling was woken up, told that Duke Zhiting had summoned him.

...

"The king has severely reprimanded me and ordered me to be confined to the manor for three months," Duke Zhiting said to Lan Ling as soon as he saw him.

Lan Ling bowed and said, "I apologize, Your Grace. Because of my affairs, you have been implicated."

Seeing that Suo Lun was still respectful, despite not accomplishing the task and making the situation worse, Duke Zhiting was deeply moved.

"I never return bribes I have received," Duke Zhiting said. "But this time, I will make an exception. I will return these three properties to you. After you lose your title and Tian Shui City, you can join my household. This will ensure your safety, and probably no one will bully you."

With that, Duke Zhiting took out the deeds to the three properties and handed them to Lan Ling.

Lan Ling immediately took three steps back and said, "The Suo family never takes back what it has given. Moreover, Your Grace has already done your utmost for me and has been reprimanded by His Majesty. I am already deeply grateful and feel extremely guilty."

Duke Zhiting was taken aback, then walked laboriously to Lan Ling and patted his shoulder, saying, "You are really something. Unfortunately, Ji Li will not let you live. I will do my best to protect your life, but whether I can succeed is up to fate. Ji Li is a formidable opponent, the future king."

Lan Ling didn't speak, only bowing deeply again.

...

After returning to the earl's manor, Lan Ling had his last dinner with his sister.

Tomorrow, he would head to the border between the Nulang Kingdom and the barbarian tribes for practical combat training.

That place was the most dangerous, with countless barbarian warriors and wild beasts, but it was also the best training environment.

Soning Bing was extremely reluctant. He was her family, her life. For her, he was going to such a dangerous place.

But during the meal, Soning Bing kept smiling, holding back her tears, which almost broke Lan Ling's heart.

After the meal, Soning Bing didn't sleep all night, repeatedly packing Lan Ling's luggage, then sitting by his bed, watching him all night.

Lan Ling didn't sleep either, but to avoid worrying his sister, he pretended to be asleep.

The next day, before dawn, Lan Ling got up and formally bid farewell to his sister.

He and Ye Jingyu were disguised and left the manor through the back door.

Soning Bing couldn't hold back any longer, tightly hugging Lan Ling and sobbing, "You must come back safely. If anything happens to you, I won't live either. We don't want Tian Shui City, we don't want the centuries-old foundation. Sister only wants you to be safe. You are sister's life now, do you understand?"

Lan Ling suddenly hugged Soning Bing tightly, greedily inhaling her scent, and said gently yet dominantly, "Sister, when I become strong enough, I will marry you. I want you to be my wife."

Then, he cupped Soning Bing's beautiful face and kissed her lips fiercely yet tenderly.

It was incredibly soft and sweet, but with her tears, it was also a bit salty and bitter.

Hearing this dominant declaration, Soning Bing's heart trembled, and her mind went blank.

Even Ye Jingyu was stunned, not expecting Lan Ling to be so bold.

After the kiss, Lan Ling leaped onto his horse and galloped away.

Ye Jingyu was stunned, then said to Soning Bing, "Take care, Miss."

Then, she spurred her horse and followed Lan Ling.

The two of them, on two horses, secretly left the capital, heading south toward the border.

Soning Bing stood there, hands clasped, praying sincerely to the heavens, "Omnipotent Dragon God, please protect my brother and bring him back safely. I can give up everything, I only want him to be safe."

...

Note: Brothers, please support by adding to your favorites and giving recommendations!