Chapter 11

Lu Jikui pointed at the map and said, "Whether we go around the west side of the ancient wasteland or the south side, we will have to make a large detour, which will likely add half a month to the journey. The problem is that the Sinan Mansion is involved in this escort, and given their usual dominance, they will not show weakness on Jin State's own territory."

Di and Yu looked at each other in silence. What was there to say if the Sinan Mansion insisted on their way?

The key was that this was very likely to happen. With their reputation, would the Sinan Mansion easily let others think they were afraid of trouble?

Di Cang pondered and asked, "Can we ask the Sinan Mansion to send more people?"

Lu Jikui replied, "The news has already spread quietly. The area where the demons are causing chaos is no longer limited to the six southwestern states. People need to be escorted to the exams in various regions, and the Sinan Mansion has limited manpower. How can they send more people? Send more specifically for Liezhou? Do you think the Sinan Mansion will look favorably upon Liezhou?"

Yu Qi frowned, "This is treating the lives of the exam candidates as a game."

With the truth out, Lu Jikui had no more reservations: "What do you think? For some people, the death of a few candidates is nothing. It won't cause much of a stir, and the Sinan Mansion can suppress it. The problem is that the Sinan Mansion is in the wrong and cannot act unreasonably against Xichaxia. So the situation is at a stalemate. I'm worried that the Sinan Mansion is waiting for the old demon of Xichaxia to make things worse."

With this, the two masters instantly understood and were deep in thought.

"It seems both sides are using the candidates' lives as bargaining chips," Di Cang sighed and shook his head, then asked, "What will the大人 do? Just sit and watch?"

Lu Jikui replied, "What else can I do? If the candidates from Liezhou really suffer heavy casualties, I cannot report this to my superiors, nor can I face the people of Liezhou. I also cannot blame the Sinan Mansion. I can only try to strengthen the escort. I have ordered the escort carriages to be reinforced and have urgently mobilized fifty 'Great Archers' from the military to join the escort."

Di Cang said, "The Sinan Mansion has also sent a hundred people to participate in the escort. In theory, with such a strong escort, there shouldn't be much of a problem."

Yu Qi said, "We fear there might be demon cultivators among the attackers."

Di Cang replied, "True experts wouldn't risk offending the Sinan Mansion over this."

Yu Qi countered, "It's the Sin Spirit Pearl. Which demon cultivator would think they have too many?"

Indeed, unlike humans, some demons only have one litter in their lifetime.

Di Cang fell silent, knowing that as a demon tamer, Yu Qi was more familiar with demons.

Lu Jikui sighed, "I hope the Sinan Mansion can resolve the issue before we set out."

At that moment, a servant rushed in to report, "Sir, the carriages for the academy are ready."

Lu Jikui immediately warmly invited the two guests to join him.

Outside the Mu family's official residence, people gathered, with armed guards and carriages, and the vanguard clearing the way...

The streets were cleared of passersby, who were all forced into the shops on both sides. The government forces were clearing the path, clearly indicating the passage of an important official.

At the Yuelai Inn, a middle-aged couple hurried up the stairs, pushed open a door, and quickly moved to a half-open window to observe outside.

The man was tall and muscular, with a large nose and a beard, his eyes sharp and alert.

The woman, dressed simply, still had a graceful figure and a clear, beautiful face.

The couple, dressed modestly, were well-known demon cultivators in the southwestern region of Jin State. The man was named Heiyun Xiao, and the woman was named Bailan, known as the "Black and White Duo."

They watched the procession from the Mu family's official residence approach, pass by, and then move away.

After the street returned to its usual noise and bustle, Bailan closed the window, "Where is Lu Jikui going with his troops?"

"To visit the candidates at the academy," Heiyun Xiao sat down by the table.

Bailan followed and sat on the other side of the table, "Is the route determined?"

Heiyun Xiao shook his head, "Our inside contact doesn't know either. He can't provide the exact route, but he estimates they will take the shortest route through the ancient wasteland."

Bailan's face showed a hint of urgency as she lightly tapped the table, "Are you joking? How can we estimate something like this? There will be a large escort, and we need to prepare in advance to have a chance. How can we set up an ambush without knowing the route?"

Heiyun Xiao said, "Lu Jikui and the Sinan Mansion are keeping it secret. It's difficult for our contact to get the information in such a short time. However, his analysis makes sense. Lu Jikui has mobilized fifty Great Archers from the military, including three Xuan-level Great Archers..."

"Fifty Great Archers?" Bailan interrupted in shock, her voice filled with doubt, "Fifty Great Archers can hold off thousands of troops. Lu Jikui is really going all out?"

The title of Great Archer is not easily earned. The basic requirement is to be at least at the True Martial realm, otherwise, they wouldn't be able to draw the bow, let alone aim and shoot accurately.

A Great Archer can fire three arrows simultaneously, hitting three different targets at a distance, and can shoot at least three volleys in a single breath, with perfect accuracy within a hundred paces. This is the basic ability of a Great Archer.

In other words, a Great Archer can accurately attack at least nine targets in a single breath.

Fifty Great Archers can accurately attack about five hundred targets in a single breath. When they work together, saying they can hold off thousands of troops is not an exaggeration.

Especially the Xuan-level Great Archers, who can be described as terrifying. They are terrifying long-range killers, capable of taking a life from three hundred paces without much effort.

At three hundred paces, many people can't even see the target, let alone shoot it accurately. Being targeted by a Xuan-level Great Archer is a terrifying thing.

Fortunately, most Great Archers are under the control of the court, trained and maintained by the military, with high待遇.

Otherwise, such long-range snipers would make many people uneasy.

Heiyun Xiao said, "That's why I think the contact's judgment is reasonable. With such strong defensive power, it's very likely they will cross the ancient wasteland."

Bailan was stunned, understanding the situation, and looked somewhat exhausted, "With fifty Great Archers, we can't even get close... Are our children going to miss this opportunity to open their enlightenment?"

Heiyun Xiao immediately comforted her, "My lady, don't worry. The escort won't move fast. It's normal for the journey to the capital to take several months. We have time. If it doesn't work in Liezhou, we can try to intercept candidates from other states."

Bailan's eyes flashed with anger, "Do you think the Sinan Mansion is just for show? Do you think they will let this drag on indefinitely? Lady Xichaxia might end things at any time. Time is of the essence. To win this opportunity for our children, we must act before the Sinan Mansion resolves the issue!"

Hearing her voice rise, Heiyun Xiao was startled and put a finger to his lips, signaling her to be quiet, wary of eavesdroppers.

Bailan lowered her voice but her eyes were filled with tears, "You said it was too expensive and we didn't have the money. You can't do it yourself either. How did I end up with such a useless man? I've endured so much, and now even our children can't turn things around. I shouldn't have had children for you..."

Heiyun Xiao lowered his head in silence, his breathing slightly rapid. After listening to her complaints, he suddenly clenched his fists, as if making a decision, and stood up, "It's likely they will take the ancient wasteland route. I have some friends there. Let's go, my lady."

At the Wenhua Academy.

The arrival of the top official from Liezhou did not cause any ripples on the surface. There was no one to greet him at the gate, and the place remained heavily guarded.

The original staff of the academy had been cleared out, and the place was now jointly managed by Liezhou officials and Sinan Mansion personnel. Given the special circumstances this year, they did not involve the academy staff or other miscellaneous people.

Upon learning that the state governor was coming, the temporary head of the academy had planned to gather all the candidates to welcome him, but Lu Jikui vetoed the idea.

In these extraordinary times, formalities were unnecessary. There was no need to have the candidates come out to greet him, as it could provide an opportunity for troublemakers.

After getting off the carriage, Lu Jikui, Di, and Yu followed the rules set by the Sinan Mansion and the military guards, entering with only their close attendants. There was no need to bring additional guards, as the place was already heavily defended, and the Sinan Mansion was also involved in the protection.

There was some activity inside the academy. All the candidates had been notified and were gathered at the entrance of the Chaoxi Garden, waiting.

Standing at the front with the welcoming officials, as expected, were the six top candidates from the preliminary exams, led by Jien Mochun.

The six top candidates were a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

Many candidates were nervous, adjusting their attire and thinking about how to make a good impression on the state governor.

Everyone knew that out of the three hundred candidates, only ten might pass the imperial exams. Some things are related to talent, not how long you study or how many times you take the exam. Most people would still have to seek positions in Liezhou, and this future depended on the state governor's word.

Yuxing was also in the crowd, standing at the back, not wanting or daring to seek the state governor's favor. His thoughts were completely different from the others.

Occasionally glancing to the side, he noticed that Xu Fei, who lived in the same building, was looking at him and gave him a friendly smile and a wave.

In this setting, no servants were allowed, and they were ordered to stay in their rooms. Candidates were also not allowed to bring weapons.

The crowd suddenly stirred, heads swaying. Yuxing, like everyone else, stood on tiptoe to see the state governor Lu Jikui and his entourage approaching confidently.

He just wanted to see who they were and then stand quietly in the crowd, blending in.

The officials waiting at the Chaoxi Garden entrance quickly went to greet the state governor, then respectfully led Lu Jikui and his entourage to meet the candidates.