The brief inquiry flowed slowly like a mountain spring and finally came to an end.

As the questioning came to an end, the atmosphere in the room lost its previous solemnity and became a little more relaxed.

However, Wu Jingyu suddenly changed the subject at this moment, like a whirlpool hidden under the calm water surface, and in his deep eyes, there seemed to be imperceptible waves quietly surging.

There was an imperceptible pause between his words, as if he was considering or brewing something, and then he turned to ask about another matter that was deep in his heart.

The sharp eyes like a hawk, at this moment, rarely faded the sharpness of scrutiny, revealing a trace of the warm concern of an elder for the younger generation. The tone also slowed down a bit, with a special softness, and softly called Jiang Yue’s name: “Jiang Yue, let me ask you, my first disciple Xingyu, how is this child these days?”

Miao Xingyu, this name occupies an irreplaceable weight in Wu Jingyu’s heart. Not only is he the chief disciple, but he is also the young talent whom he has poured countless efforts into and has high hopes for.

When Jiang Yue heard this, his originally calm expression moved slightly, and he instantly understood.

He knew too well the position that Miao Xingyu held in Wu Jingyu’s heart. It was not just a relationship between a master and a disciple, but also the love and expectations that an elder has for his nephew.

Jiang Yue quickly gathered his mind, his originally relaxed demeanor became more respectful, he straightened his back, his voice became steady and powerful, and he solemnly replied: “Reporting to the commander-in-chief, Senior Brother Miao is doing well. I met Senior Brother Miao last time in Kyoto. He is concentrating on cultivation, working hard every day, and his strength is improving at an amazing speed. I believe it won’t be long before he can break through his current realm and reach a higher level.”

Jiang Yue’s tone was calm and affirmative. Every word and sentence came from his heart and was extremely sincere, without any falsehood or perfunctory tone.

“That’s good, that’s good.”

When Wu Jingyu heard Jiang Yue’s affirmative answer, his originally tense face finally relaxed, his tightly furrowed brows loosened, he nodded slightly, a genuine smile of relief emerged on his face, and the fine lines carved by the years at the corners of his eyes also stretched out as his smile blossomed.

“Xingyu is a child with great talent. Looking at the entire Yunzhou, and even the entire Da Zhou, he is a martial arts genius selected from thousands of people. It’s just that his temperament…” When Wu Jingyu said this, there was a hint of helplessness unique to elders in his tone, but the corners of his mouth unconsciously rose slightly, revealing more of his love and pride that were beyond words.

“He’s still a little jumpy and not steady enough.” Wu Jingyu sighed softly, as if a loving father was talking about his slightly naughty child.

“Please don’t worry, sir.”

Jiang Yue’s lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint but warm smile, and he said softly: “Senior Brother Miao is extremely intelligent and gifted. He has his own sense of propriety and consideration in doing things. I guess he is just a teenager, and he is naturally lively and active. With time, after years of precipitation and experience, he will definitely become more mature and stable, and become a pillar of talent.”

“It’s just…” Jiang Yue paused for a moment, as if he was considering the right words. His deep gaze also became a little hesitant, as if he was thinking about something that was difficult to ask.

“Just what?”

Wu Jingyu’s gaze, which had originally relaxed, instantly became sharp like a sword drawn from its sheath. His eyes locked onto Jiang Yue like an eagle. His tone suddenly became serious as he asked, with a hint of unquestionable majesty in his tone, as if he wanted to see through Jiang Yue’s heart and see clearly what he was thinking.

“It’s just that I haven’t told Senior Brother Miao about the Yunzhou incident yet.”

Jiang Yue spoke slowly, lowering his voice a few notches lower, as if he was afraid of disturbing the solemn atmosphere at the moment.

“Although the situation in Yunzhou seems to be stable on the surface, it is actually undercurrents and crises are lurking everywhere. The demon clan is ready to make a move. After much deliberation, I think we can consider recalling Brother Miao from Kyoto to help you share your worries and jointly protect the land of Yunzhou.” Jiang Yue’s suggestion was cautious and tentative. He did not fully understand Wu Jingyu’s true thoughts, and he did not dare to hastily speculate on the general’s deep intentions.

Upon hearing this, Wu Jingyu fell into deep thought, his brows slightly furrowed again, and a complex and incomprehensible light flashed in his deep eyes.

His slender fingers tapped lightly on the table, making a rhythmic sound that seemed particularly clear and rhythmic in the silent room.

The room suddenly became completely quiet, and the atmosphere became slightly solemn, as if the air had solidified, making it seem like it was hard to breathe.

Xu Chong watched quietly from the side, his expression as calm as water, without interrupting. He knew Wu Jingyu’s character very well and understood that at this moment he was weighing the pros and cons and making the most thorough considerations and decisions.

After a long time, which seemed like a century, Wu Jingyu slowly raised his head. In his deep eyes, there flashed a barely perceptible hint of determination, like a shooting star across the night sky, brief but dazzling.

“No need to rush.”

He spoke in a deep voice, his tone calm but with an unquestionable majesty, decisive and unquestionable.

“Xingyu is practicing in Kyoto. Being in the environment of the imperial capital, he can get better experience and growth, which is crucial to his future. Right now, the situation in Yunzhou is still unclear, and the various forces are complicated. There is no need to let him know for the time being, so as not to increase his worries and affect his practice.”

Wu Jingyu’s tone was calm and firm, and his words revealed far-reaching considerations and planning, and were not spoken on impulse.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yue immediately understood what Wu Jingyu meant. The general had his own overall deployment and far-reaching arrangements, which were not something he could easily guess or comment on.

He responded respectfully: “Disciple understands.”

The topic came to an end here, and the atmosphere in the room returned to its previous calm.

Wu Jingyu’s gaze slowly fell on Jiang Yue again, with a barely perceptible hint of inquiry in his eyes, as if he wanted to see through Jiang Yue’s inner heart and understand his truest thoughts.

“Jiang Yue.”

He spoke again, his voice deep and magnetic, as mellow as an aged wine.

“This time you returned to Yunzhou and went through Kyoto, and saw the prosperity of the imperial capital with your own eyes. I wonder if you have any plans for the next step?”

Wu Jingyu’s tone was direct and honest, without any beating around the bush. There was a subtle expectation in his words, as well as some consideration, as if he was testing Jiang Yue’s intentions and his plans for the future.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yue pondered for a moment, his thoughts racing in his mind, all kinds of ideas surging like the tide, but he already had a clear and firm plan in his heart.

He slowly raised his head, his deep eyes flashing with an unwavering light, like the brightest star in the night sky, and replied in a steady and powerful tone: “Reporting to the general, I plan to stay in Yunzhou and continue to practice hard, improve my strength, and protect the land of Yunzhou and the people who live on this land.”

Jiang Yue’s answer was clear and concise, every word sounded sonorous and powerful, without the slightest hesitation or delay, as if he had already rehearsed it in his mind countless times and had the answer already in mind.

Staying in Yunzhou was not a momentary impulse, nor was it a stopgap measure, but a careful decision he made after careful consideration.

Yunzhou is his foundation, the place where he was born and grew up, the source of his strength, and the starting point for his becoming stronger.

More importantly, there are still many things waiting for him to do in Yunzhou, and there are countless innocent people who need him to protect. He shoulders heavy responsibilities and missions.

When Wu Jingyu heard this, a hint of undisguised approval flashed across his deep eyes, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful and playful smile.

“Stay in Yunzhou?”

He repeated it with interest, with a hint of obvious temptation and consideration in his tone, as if to further confirm Jiang Yue’s determination.

“Why don’t you choose to return to Kyoto for development? With your current strength and achievements, if you gain a foothold in the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, you will definitely be further valued by the royal family, and even promotion is not impossible. If you stay in Kyoto, wealth and glory will be at your fingertips, and your future will be limitless.”

Wu Jingyu’s words were obviously tentative, but also contained an irresistible temptation, like throwing a stone into a calm lake, instantly causing ripples to spread out.

The prosperity and opportunities, power and status of Kyoto are far beyond the reach of the isolated Yunzhou. They are a fatal attraction for any young person who is ambitious and eager to achieve success.

Jiang Yue just smiled faintly upon hearing this, his expression was still as calm as before, but his tone became more firm, as unshakable as a rock, tenacious and persistent. “Although Kyoto is nice, prosperous, and full of lights and wine, it is not what I want in my heart. I was born and raised in Yunzhou. The mountains and rivers, every blade of grass and every tree in Yunzhou have long been deeply integrated into my blood. I have deep feelings for Yunzhou that are hard to give up.”

Jiang Yue’s voice was not loud, but it was powerful. Every word and sentence was filled with sincere and strong emotions, which slowly echoed in the room for a long time.

“What’s more, the human race in Yunzhou is in danger now, and the demon race is eyeing us covetously, ready to start a war at any time. As the inspector of Yunzhou, I have the responsibility to protect the people of Yunzhou. I should stay here and live and die with Yunzhou, protecting the safety of the people of Yunzhou. This is my responsibility and my mission!”

Jiang Yue’s words are full of a strong sense of responsibility and mission, as well as a deep love for the land of Yunzhou. They are moving and awe-inspiring.

Wu Jingyu listened quietly to Jiang Yue’s answer, and the admiration in the depths of his eyes became more and more intense, like the bright stars in the night sky, shining with dazzling light.

He originally thought that after Jiang Yue experienced the prosperity of Kyoto and witnessed the bright lights, feasting and decadence of the imperial capital, he might waver in his original intention and choose to stay in Kyoto to develop. After all, this is human nature to seek benefits and avoid harm.

However, he never expected that Jiang Yue would choose to stay so resolutely and firmly, and the reason he gave was so moving and so sincere that it completely exceeded his expectations and made him feel relieved.

“Good! Good! Good!”

Wu Jingyu said “OK” three times in a loud and resounding voice, nodded heavily, a smile of satisfaction from the heart appeared on his face, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were completely stretched out, and he looked particularly cheerful and energetic.

“Well said! Born in Yunzhou, raised in Yunzhou, and protecting the people of Yunzhou! Jiang Yue, you really did not let me down, and lived up to my expectations of you! Your kindness and responsibility are a blessing to the people of Yunzhou, and even more so to me, Wu Jingyu!”

Wu Jingyu’s voice was full of undisguised admiration and affirmation, like the sound of a huge bell, resounding and deafening.

He looked at the young man in front of him with burning eyes, his heart filled with indescribable pride and relief, as if he saw the hope for the future of the human race in Yunzhou, and also saw that his hard work over the years had finally borne fruit.

Then, Wu Jingyu looked around and saw that the battlefield was in a mess.

There are broken walls and smoke everywhere.

The air was filled with the burnt smell after the battle and a faint scent of blood.

He gave the order in a deep voice, which was not loud but was clearly heard by everyone.

“Everyone, start cleaning up the battlefield immediately.”

“Prioritize the treatment of the wounded, no matter if they are human or demon. As long as they are still alive, do not give up.”

“Secondly, collect the supplies, weapons, and elixirs left behind on the battlefield. Don’t miss anything useful.”

“Finally, clean up the battlefield, bury the bodies, and restore the Yunwu Mountains to their original appearance as soon as possible.”

The commands are orderly, concise and efficient.

Wu Jingyu’s eyes swept across the crowd with a hint of unquestionable majesty.

The human warriors around immediately took action.

They had a clear division of labor and quickly devoted themselves to their respective tasks.

Some were running around shouting, looking for survivors.

Some carried stretchers to transport the wounded.

Others began to collect the spoils scattered everywhere.

On the battlefield, noisy sounds gradually arose, but they were no longer the roars of fighting, but calls for help and the sounds of busy footsteps.

Jiang Yue slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, feeling the energy and blood surging in his body.

The fierce battle just now exhausted him greatly.

Especially the final blow against the demon leader, which almost exhausted all his strength.

He staggered slightly and retreated to a relatively quiet corner on the edge of the battlefield.

Leaning against a huge rock, I felt a little relieved from my physical fatigue.

He closed his eyes and let his consciousness sink into his body.

Looking inward, one can clearly see that the Qi and blood are surging in the meridians like a surging river.

But if you feel it carefully, you can find that this surging blood and energy is a little disordered and not as smooth as usual.

This is a sign of excessive consumption of Qi and blood.

Jiang Yue took a deep breath and started to circulate his internal skills.

A trace of pure spiritual energy was drawn from the surrounding void and slowly merged into his body.

The spiritual energy flowed like a trickle of water, nourishing his dry meridians and repairing his damaged body.

He guided this spiritual energy, circulating it slowly throughout his body, nourishing his internal organs and repairing every inch of muscle and every bone.

As the technique was practiced, he felt the chaotic energy and blood in his body gradually become stable.

The body that had been a little heavy began to become light.

Threads of heat flowed through his limbs and bones, dispelling the fatigue and weakness brought by the battle.

His breathing also gradually became even and long.

The noisy sounds around seemed to become distant.

Jiang Yue was completely immersed in regulating his breathing, feeling the strength of his body gradually recovering.

He knew that more challenges were waiting for him in Yunzhou.

He must recover to his best condition as soon as possible to deal with all unknown crises.

He closed his eyes tightly, and used all his strength to practice the technique, seizing every minute and every second to recover his strength. (End of this chapter)