The next day at dawn, when Hong Qingyan walked out of the Inner Courtyard, she had reverted to her usual appearance, showing no trace of the transcendent and extraordinary air that seed to have transford her the day before; only her walk was no longer the limp of days past.
This was specifically instructed by Shi Yehong, as the cultivation technique she practiced was too special, necessitating a certain level of concealnt.
At this ti, Ye Feng had already led Xiao Chuanqi and others away from the Northern Cloud Residence and had t up with Zhang Wenyuan and others. Now that Hong Qingyan had not only beco a disciple of the Second Sect Leader Shi Yehong but also progressed rapidly in her cultivation, becoming a top expert, Ye Feng naturally felt much more at ease.
One could say that as long as she wasn't suddenly attacked by a great power above the Divine Path Realm Level, Hong Qingyan could essentially handle it. Moreover, even if it were a great power at the Divine Communication Realm Level, in a one-on-one situation, Hong Qingyan could still hold her ground without falling short.
After all, she was now following the ancient path of cultivators of the Ancient Era, and she was no longer the Hong Qingyan of yesterday!
Although Ye Feng didn't bring many people on his journey to the Southern Territory, he was accompanied by Xiao Chuanqi, Sima Zhantian, Leng Wuming, and other trusted followers. Of course, aside from these people, the truth was that last night, Ye Feng had already dispatched so of his hidden forces to the Southern Territory.
As for Hong Qingyan, she remained at the Northern Cloud Residence. According to her, she could now fully stand on her own and ought to share her husband's worries. Thus, she specially stayed to keep an eye on any movents in the Imperial Capital.
After pondering for a mont, Ye Feng did not insist on her accompanying him, as staying in the Imperial Capital was undoubtedly safer for her at this ti than going to the Southern Territory.
Because in half a month, the Xuanyuan Nation would be hosting the Grand Martial Dao Tournant, which would be attended by mbers of the Nine Great Sects of Ancient Martial Arts. Thus, everyone's focus during this ti was on the Martial Dao Tournant, and they were unlikely to cause trouble intentionally.
The Inner City Airport wasn't large and seed sowhat cramped and modest, but don't be fooled by its appearance. Even the scions of Noble Clans from the Inner City of the Imperial Capital wouldn't necessarily qualify to co here.
One could say that those who could board the private aircraft here were all of more than ordinary status, mainly consisting of the Sect Leaders of Xuanyuan Nation's Tianyong Pavilion, generals from the General's Mansion, and the heads of the Three Offices, the most important institutions of Xuanyuan Nation.
"I am truly pleased you could co. I believe with you accompanying us, I can certainly avoid a lot of trouble," Zhang Wenyuan said, putting down what he was doing and quickly walking over as he saw Ye Feng approaching.
Ye Feng responded with a faint smile, "It's been a while since I went to the Southern Territory. Since there's nothing much happening during this period, I might as well take a trip and visit so old friends."
As he spoke, Ye Feng rembered sothing and turned to ask, "By the way, are you really not planning to compete in the upcoming Martial Dao Tournant in half a month?"
Zhang Wenyuan let out a bitter laugh, then shook his head and sighed, "I originally had no intention of participating, but my master ca to last night particularly for this purpose, insisting that I compete no matter what… so I really had no choice…"
Having said this, Zhang Wenyuan gave a slight shrug, revealing an expression of helplessness.
Ye Feng couldn't help but smile lightly, "The Grand Martial Dao Tournant is open to everyone in the world. Although we are friends, when the ti cos, we will rely solely on our own abilities, and you need not feel sorry for ."
Zhang Wenyuan nodded, "Rest assured, precisely because I consider you a friend, I will give it my all when the ti cos!"
Ye Feng expressed his approval; that was indeed his own view. If they held back when facing off against each other, it would an they were not sincerely treating each other.
"It's ti to go. The decree must have reached the Southern Territory by now, let's move," said Ye Feng, waving his hand, then both he and Zhang Wenyuan boarded the private plane together.
Zhang Wenyuan's entourage was also not large, comprising only three people. It seed that so of his guards must have set off earlier. Not long after, the two planes took off, finally arriving at the Southern Territory Base Camp four hours later.
As the airport slowly descended from the sky into the designated airfield of the Southern Territory Base Camp, the surroundings were already teeming with a bustling crowd. Unsurprisingly, these people were mainly the elite of the Southern Territory, including several Domain Lords from among the Nine Domains of the Southern Territory, as well as so local Aristocratic Clan Gates.
Indisputably, the fact that these people had personally co to the airport to greet them was sufficiently explanatory; they were, of course, staunch supporters of the new Southern King.
Glancing over the crowd, Ye Feng noted that indeed a considerable number had co to et them, with five Domain Lords from the Nine Domains of the Southern Territory personally present, along with more than half of the leaders of the Southern Territory.
With the presence of these individuals alone, it was more than half of the Southern Territory's power. It could be said that with their support, Zhang Wenyuan could basically secure his position in the Southern Territory today and would soon consolidate his power in the region.
Ye Feng couldn't help but marvel: the direct disciple of the Grand Sect Leader of Tianyong Pavilion and pupil of Zhao Gongming wielded such trendous influence. Even in the Southern Territory, his influence was so substantial. In contrast, he himself had no such backing—the throne of the Northern Border King was snatched away from him during an ambush in the Capital Region a year ago.
"Having connections in the governnt sure makes things easier!" Ye Feng thought, smiling faintly. As he disembarked from the plane, he didn't step forward but rely stood there with an air of non-involvent. Since the crowd wasn't there for him, he naturally didn't feel the need to interact.
Zhang Wenyuan's reaction was different. Stepping off the plane, he quickly approached the crowd, wearing a face full of feigned humility and surprise. While Ye Feng knew that Zhang Wenyuan might not hold these Southern Territory elites in high regard, the latter definitely needed to show ample enthusiasm at this mont.
Zhang Wenyuan was very clear in his heart that most people supported him because of the Grand Sect Leader's face. If he didn't show his sincerity now, he might lose the goodwill of so of these people.
Of course, he also knew that goodwill alone was not enough. Next, he needed to establish his authority in order to quickly gain credibility in the Southern Territory. How to quickly establish his authority, he hadn't figured out yet, but he wasn't in a hurry, because he believed he would find a way.
After finally exchanging pleasantries with these local dignitaries of the Southern Territory, Zhang Wenyuan then turned to introduce Ye Feng. In fact, everyone present was already familiar with Northern King Ye Feng.
As early as a year ago, Northern King Ye Feng had co to the Southern Territory. At that ti, Southern Origin King Dugu Ming was under house arrest and sidelined, and in the end, it was because of Ye Feng's intervention that he was able to escape danger.
In fact, it was also because of this incident that, although Dugu Ming returned to his position as the Southern King because of Ye Feng, his authority and foundation had already been shaken and were no longer sufficient to control the entire Southern Territory.
In addition, during this period, the situation in the Southern Territory was very unstable. There had been clamor and disturbances from Ancient Yue Kingdom, and Tianluo Kingdom had been causing trouble from ti to ti. More seriously, Brahma Kingdom, a great nation at the southern end of the Southern Territory, had repeatedly committed offenses.
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And Southern King Dugu Ming had been unable to soothe the friction with these neighboring countries. Finally, Utility Pavilion decided to appoint Zhang Wenyuan, partly to support Zhang Wenyuan's rise, and partly in the hope of relying on his power to thoroughly eliminate the neighbors' mischief.
However, although the local dignitaries of the Southern Territory recognized Northern King Ye Feng, they were not extrely respectful, mainly because Ye Feng had slain several commanders of the Southern Territory with the Power of Thunderclap when he arrived in the Southern Territory, a fact that left a deep impression on everyone.
So after a brief greeting, led by Zhang Wenyuan, everyone went directly to the headquarters of the Southern Territory's base camp. Of course, Dugu Ming, as the forr king, would not co to greet them in person, and his few remaining confidantes naturally wouldn't co either, but they were waiting in the council hall of the base camp, waiting for Zhang Wenyuan to co for the handover.
The handover process was actually quite simple: it involved reading the appointnt letter and then handing over the King's Order of the Southern Territory, which marked its completion. Afterward, it was ti for Zhang Wenyuan to reappoint personnel and arrange affairs.
When Ye Feng stepped into the council hall of the Southern Territory's base camp again, although it was a return to a familiar place, his heart was calm, as if he were just a bystander. However, he could see that Southern Origin King Dugu Ming seed not to be in a good mood, as if he was discontented.
Seeing this, Ye Feng couldn't help but go over and personally pat Dugu Ming on the shoulder.
Dugu Ming seed to notice the Northern King's presence only then, and said with surprise, "I really didn't expect you to co."
Ye Feng nodded slightly and said, "Mainly, I ca to see how you were."
Dugu Ming appeared very pleased upon hearing this and finally showed a rare smile, "Everyone adds flowers to the brocade, but not many send coal in the snow. Thank you for coming to see at this ti."
Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "There's no need for such formalities between n. In fact, you should be happy. Zhang Wenyuan is a decisive person. You can rest assured entrusting the Southern Territory to him."
In fact, Ye Feng knew that what Dugu Ming couldn't bear to part with was not his kingship, but the people of the Southern Territory. He was concerned that the new king taking office wouldn't be as good as himself after his own retirent.
Dugu Ming smiled and said, "Since even you say so, then I can truly rest assured. Are you free tonight? I'd like to treat you to a drink. Although I've stepped down, I still have a few bottles of good wine left."
"A call from an old friend is worth risking one's life for—I'll happily join you!" Ye Feng replied with a light smile.
Subsequently, the official sent from the Imperial Capital read the appointnt letter, and then Dugu Ming, holding a small Brocade Box containing the Southern King's Seal, passed it to Zhang Wenyuan through the official.
With that, Zhang Wenyuan officially beca the King of the Southern Territory!
But what no one expected was that as soon as Zhang Wenyuan took the Southern King's Seal, he suddenly turned and swept his gaze over the people in the hall and shouted, "Where is Yu Wenji, the Fifth Commander of the Southern Territory?"
An elderly steward of the Southern Territory imdiately stepped forward and said with clasped hands, "Replying to the Southern King, Commander Yu Wenji has taken leave due to illness, and is therefore not present."
Zhang Wenyuan rebuked angrily, "How preposterous! At such a crucial mont of the Southern King's appointnt, he dares not to co, which is a clear disrespect for the laws and contempt for as the new King of the Southern Territory!"
Having said that, Zhang Wenyuan waved his hand vigorously and ordered, "Who will apprehend Yu Wenji imdiately? According to national law, execute him!"
Everyone was startled by this pronouncent, utterly shocked that the New Southern King, who had not even ward his seat, had sparked a conflagration so abruptly.
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