Shan Yu's face was flushed .

Her mind was blank . She didn't know if she should be excited or furious . She had been waiting for this moment for far too long .

He was back . . .

After more than a year, he had returned to the Southern Region to reclaim the sword he lost .

But . . .

Why didn't he come to see me?

What happened here a year ago? Shouldn't he come and tell me the truth? Why didn't he come and find me? Is he afraid? Or does he not want to?

"Your Highness, I have already sent people to lock down the exits to the Great Xia . Should we inform the Great Xia . . . " Icy Monkey advised .

"No need!" Shan Yu replied without hesitation as her eyes glowed . "Uncle Monkey, do you trust me?"

"Your Highness . . . of course I trust you!" Icy Monkey replied .

"Then please give the order for all our soldiers at the border to stand down . " Shan Yu's eyes were filled with determination .

"Stand down? Why? Your Highness, don't you want to know the truth about Shan Ling's death?" Icy Monkey didn't understand .

"I do . " Shan Yu replied .

"Then why . . . I know that you trust Fang Zhengzhi . Even if he didn't do it, it must have been linked to him somehow! He still owes the Southern Region an explanation . We cannot let the Crown Prince . . . "

"Uncle Monkey!"

"Okay, your highness, what are your thoughts?"

"Please have someone plant a similar sword on Feng Su cliff!" Shan Yu replied after some thought .

"Plant a similar sword?" Icy Monkey was shocked .

"Yes!"

"Your Highness, are you planning to cover this up for him? But since he chose to retrieve his sword, he probably plans on announcing it soon!" Icy Monkey didn't understand .

"I don't know if he wants to hide it, but I don't want news of this to get out before I reach the Great Xia!" Shan Yu replied .

"Your Highness, you're going to Yan Capital?"

"Mm . . . do you think that we can capture him if we set up an ambush at the entrance?" Shan Yu queried .

"Erm . . . " Icy Monkey's lips twitched but he didn't answer .

"It's been more than a year since I took the throne . It is about time I made a trip there . " Shan Yu continued .

"Okay then, since your mind is made up, I will make the necessary arrangements . How would you like to travel?" Icy Monkey nodded .

"The grander the better!"

"Okay then, I will have someone send a message to the Great Xia announcing your visit!" Icy Monkey bowed .

"Thank you for your help . "

　　 . . .

At the foot of the Sagely Mountain City . . .

A figure in blue stood at the foot of the mountain . He looked up at the clouds and the fog that surrounded the Sagely Mountain City .

"Master, are you going to the Sagely Mountain City? If you are, I will make the necessary arrangements right away!" A voice rang out behind this man .

"No need for that . " The figure in blue shook his head .

"Actually, the leader told me to pa.s.s a message . I was to pa.s.s this message to you if you ever stepped foot in the Southern Region .

"Go ahead . "

"When you were set up to take the rap for killing the Crown Prince a year ago . . . the leader believes that the Queen doesn't believe the story the Great Xia provided!"

"Mm, continue . "

"Furthermore, the leader had the eight hangers-on who partic.i.p.ated in that a.s.sa.s.sination followed . However, they disappeared the moment they returned to the capital . The leader believes that the Crown Prince had them silenced, so . . . "

"So the only person who can testify is Su Qing . "

"Yes, but Su Qing was one of the conspirators . Furthermore, he is favored by the Crown Prince . It would be impossible to have him testify against Lin Tianrong . "

"Mm . "

"The leader feels that if you can find someone in the Southern Region to testify for you . . . even if the testimony was false . . . "

"I know . "

"So will you make a trip to the Sagely Mountain City?" The voice was filled with antic.i.p.ation .

"No, I won't . "

"Okay . . . okay then . Where will you be going, master?"

"The Northern Mountain Village . "

"The Northern Mountain Village?! Erm . . . erm, that is just not possible! The Crown Prince has had people spying on it for the past year . You will be spotted the moment you enter . And then . . . " The voice was filled with fear .

"What about it?"

"The leader told me repeatedly that you can go anywhere but two places!"

"The Northern Mountain Village and the Capital, am I right?"

"Why do you insist on going to the Northern Mountain Village then?"

"Because I want to . Is that reason enough?"

"Yes, it is!"

"Will you send her a message in secret?" The figure in blue asked .

"I . . . I wouldn't dare!"

"Oh, why not?"

"Even though I belong to the Shadow Sect, I only managed to get where I am today because of you . As such, I will never betray you . . . "

"So you will betray Wu Yuer, am I right?"

"Erm . . . "

"You say you are loyal to me in front of me and you pledge loyalty to Wu Yuer in front of her . That's a good thing too . I will pa.s.s your message to her without changing a word . "

" . . . " The person was speechless .

"Is there a problem?" The figure in blue smiled as she looked at the figure behind him .

"No problem at all . Master, please tell the leader what I said, word for word!" The voice was about to break .

"Since you have pleaded with me so sincerely, I will fulfill your request . Go on, use Wu Yuer's name to have the nine people wait for me in Huai An County . "

"Master, you want me to forge the orders of the leader?" The voice was trembling .

"Is there a problem?"

"Nope, no problem at all . The leader is used to it . "

"Then what are you waiting for?"

"Yes, sir!"

　　 . . .

Five days later . . .

In a quiet residence inside the Great Xia, Wu Yuer sat in the middle of her garden, visibly affected by the letter she had in front of her .

"d.a.m.n!" Wu Yuer raised her hand and shredded the letter in her hand . Her eyebrows were raised . . .

"Oh? Who are you mad at, Yuer?" An old man appeared next to Wu Yuer, his white robe free from any traces of dirt .

"Who else could it be?"

"Fang Zhengzhi?"

"Master, do you think that he is going overboard with this? He is just a member of the Shadow Sect . How can he summon our Shadow Sect . . . to Huai An County . . . isn't he afraid . . . " Wu Yuer's rage was clear .

"Yes, how did he manage to get all the members of the Shadow Sect to gather at Huai An County?" The old man asked .

"He didn't! He lied to them and fooled them all into going there! He must have used my name to get them to go!" Wu Yuer a.s.serted .

"Mm, you are correct . However, I do not understand one thing . Why do they all trust him so much? They didn't even double check with you, aish . . . " The old man replied .

"Master, what do you mean?" Wu Yuer's eyelids twitched when she saw the old man's expression . She sensed something .

"After a year, the Shadow Sect is no longer the same . Did you not realize that?" The old man hinted .

"Master!" Wu Yuer didn't like being talked to this way . She looked at the shredded letter .

"Go to h.e.l.l!"

Wu Yuer bit her lip and stood up from her chair . She walked towards the garden .

The old man didn't say anything as he watched Wu Yuer disappear into the garden . He smirked, almost as if he was thinking of something .

　　 . . .

The River of Trust Province, Huai An County . . .

Everyone was in a festive mood . They were all celebrating spring with music and poetry .

It was relaxed and fun .

Of course, such enjoyment was for the poorer students .

They didn't have enough silvers in their pockets but still wanted to enjoy themselves . As such, they simply hung around a lake and played music whilst composing poetry .

Speaking of enjoyment . . .

They didn't go to the Southern Mountains . Ferocious beasts roamed the mountains and anyone who hadn't accessed Dao would never set foot in them .

As such, the River of Trust was the best spot .

It was nearby and quiet enough . Most importantly, many s.h.i.+ps pa.s.sed through it .

Where there were yachts, there were ladies .

Where there were ladies, there were talents .

Especially . . .

Show-offs!

There was one such talent on the River of Trust . He wore a gold robe and had a jade green sword sheathed at his waist .

He was the number one bully in Huai An County .

Meng Yushu of the Meng Family .

It was unfortunate that he met Fang Zhengzhi in the Dao Examinations . In the end, he was accused of cheating in the Theory Examination and schooled in the Combat Examinations .

He seemed to have hit rock-bottom .

It was a good thing Meng Yushu was a determined individual .

He wasn't going to let failure get to him!

As long as he climbed back up, he was still the master of his own fate .

In the recent Dao Examinations, he topped the Huai An County combat examinations . It was one of the best times of his life .

As such . . .

He decided to relax a little and show-off his skills at the River of Trust .

He was on a small but exquisitely designed boat . Golden threads adorned the boat's body . There was a huge 'Meng' on the flag of the boat . This was how others could identify him .

With this small boat, Meng Yushu was confident that he could definitely board any of the pa.s.sing yachts .

Of course, he was someone of influence .

No ordinary yacht could catch his eye .

Furthermore, with his reputation now, his name would stun anyone in Huai An County .

"This is the one!" Meng Yushu gripped the hilt of his sword as he looked up at the golden yacht steaming towards him .

He leapt into the sky .

Then, the small boat began to move forward with the wind . It was a gorgeous sight, and it attracted the attention of the ladies and other talents on the sh.o.r.e .

If the other yachts on the River of Trust were fish .

Then this yacht was a dragon! A dragon making its way through a school of fish . Intricate carvings covered its entire body and its flags were multi-colored .

Its flags danced in the wind .

Countless talents watched the yacht steam towards that small boat . They were all waiting for Meng Yushu to board it .

It was getting close . . .

As the yacht approached, Meng Yushu bowed and squinted his eyes . His eyes were filled with confidence .

"Huai An County, eldest son of the Meng Family, Meng Yushu! I request to come aboard your craft!" Meng Yushu had earned the right to be this confident .

After all, there was no one in Huai An County who was more influential than him right now .

Furthermore . . .

The people on a yacht would not be a powerful cultivator waiting to strike .

Generally, they would be ladies or rich men .

Either was good!

Meng Yushu was confident .

He was confident that they would know him since they were here in Huai An County . They would stop for him!

Haha!

Meng Yushu smirked as he thought to himself .

However, he quickly realized that something was wrong . His smile froze . . .

"Hey, stop, stop . . . stop!"

"Bong!"

With a crowd as witness, the large yacht crashed into Meng Yushu's boat . Then, Meng Yushu fell into the river with a splash .

Chapter 481 Things are different nowTranslator Sparrow Translations Editor Sparrow TranslationsShan Yu s face was flushed . Her mind was blank . She didn t know if she should be excited or furious . She had been waiting for this moment for far too long . He was back . . . After more than a year, he had returned to the Southern Region to reclaim the sword he lost . But . . . Why didn t he come to see me What happened here a year ago Shouldn t he come and tell me the truth Why didn t he come and find me Is he afraid Or does he not want to Your Highness, I have already sent people to lock down the exits to the Great Xia . Should we inform the Great Xia . . . Icy Monkey advised . No need Shan Yu replied without hesitation as her eyes glowed . Uncle Monkey, do you trust me Your Highness . . . of course I trust you Icy Monkey replied . Then please give the order for all our soldiers at the border to stand down . Shan Yu s eyes were filled with determination . Stand down Why Your Highness, don t you want to know the truth about Shan Ling s death Icy Monkey didn t understand . I do . Shan Yu replied . Then why . . . I know that you trust Fang Zhengzhi . Even if he didn t do it, it must have been linked to him somehow He still owes the Southern Region an explanation . We cannot let the Crown Prince . . . Uncle Monkey Okay, your highness, what are your thoughts Please have someone plant a similar sword on Feng Su cliff Shan Yu replied after some thought . Plant a similar sword Icy Monkey was shocked . Yes Your Highness, are you planning to cover this up for him But since he chose to retrieve his sword, he probably plans on announcing it soon Icy Monkey didn t understand . I don t know if he wants to hide it, but I don t want news of this to get out before I reach the Great Xia Shan Yu replied . Your Highness, you re going to Yan Capital Mm . . . do you think that we can capture him if we set up an ambush at the entrance Shan Yu queried . Erm . . . Icy Monkey s lips twitched but he didn t answer . It s been more than a year since I took the throne . It is about time I made a trip there . Shan Yu continued . Okay then, since your mind is made up, I will make the necessary arrangements . How would you like to travel Icy Monkey nodded . The grander the better Okay then, I will have someone send a message to the Great Xia announcing your visit Icy Monkey bowed . Thank you for your help . . . . At the foot of the Sagely Mountain City . . . A figure in blue stood at the foot of the mountain . He looked up at the clouds and the fog that surrounded the Sagely Mountain City . Master, are you going to the Sagely Mountain City If you are, I will make the necessary arrangements right away A voice rang out behind this man . No need for that . The figure in blue shook his head . Actually, the leader told me to pa.s.s a message . I was to pa.s.s this message to you if you ever stepped foot in the Southern Region . Go ahead . When you were set up to take the rap for killing the Crown Prince a year ago . . . the leader believes that the Queen doesn t believe the story the Great Xia provided Mm, continue . Furthermore, the leader had the eight hangers on who partic.i.p.ated in that a.s.sa.s.sination followed . However, they disappeared the moment they returned to the capital . The leader believes that the Crown Prince had them silenced, so . . . So the only person who can testify is Su Qing . Yes, but Su Qing was one of the conspirators . Furthermore, he is favored by the Crown Prince . It would be impossible to have him testify against Lin Tianrong . Mm . The leader feels that if you can find someone in the Southern Region to testify for you . . . even if the testimony was false . . . I know . So will you make a trip to the Sagely Mountain City The voice was filled with antic.i.p.ation . No, I won t . Okay . . . okay then . Where will you be going, master The Northern Mountain Village . The Northern Mountain Village Erm . . . erm, that is just not possible The Crown Prince has had people spying on it for the past year . You will be spotted the moment you enter . And then . . . The voice was filled with fear . What about it The leader told me repeatedly that you can go anywhere but two places The Northern Mountain Village and the Capital, am I right Why do you insist on going to the Northern Mountain Village then Because I want to . Is that reason enough Yes, it is Will you send her a message in secret The figure in blue asked . I . . . I wouldn t dare Oh, why not Even though I belong to the Shadow Sect, I only managed to get where I am today because of you . As such, I will never betray you . . . So you will betray Wu Yuer, am I right Erm . . . You say you are loyal to me in front of me and you pledge loyalty to Wu Yuer in front of her . That s a good thing too . I will pa.s.s your message to her without changing a word . . . . The person was speechless . Is there a problem The figure in blue smiled as she looked at the figure behind him . No problem at all . Master, please tell the leader what I said, word for word The voice was about to break . Since you have pleaded with me so sincerely, I will fulfill your request . Go on, use Wu Yuer s name to have the nine people wait for me in Huai An County . Master, you want me to forge the orders of the leader The voice was trembling . Is there a problem Nope, no problem at all . The leader is used to it . Then what are you waiting for Yes, sir . . . Five days later . . . In a quiet residence inside the Great Xia, Wu Yuer sat in the middle of her garden, visibly affected by the letter she had in front of her . d.a.m.n Wu Yuer raised her hand and shredded the letter in her hand . Her eyebrows were raised . . . Oh Who are you mad at, Yuer An old man appeared next to Wu Yuer, his white robe free from any traces of dirt . Who else could it be Fang Zhengzhi Master, do you think that he is going overboard with this He is just a member of the Shadow Sect . How can he summon our Shadow Sect . . . to Huai An County . . . isn t he afraid . . . Wu Yuer s rage was clear . Yes, how did he manage to get all the members of the Shadow Sect to gather at Huai An County The old man asked . He didn t He lied to them and fooled them all into going there He must have used my name to get them to go Wu Yuer a.s.serted . Mm, you are correct . However, I do not understand one thing . Why do they all trust him so much They didn t even double check with you, aish . . . The old man replied . Master, what do you mean Wu Yuer s eyelids twitched when she saw the old man s expression . She sensed something . After a year, the Shadow Sect is no longer the same . Did you not realize that The old man hinted . Master Wu Yuer didn t like being talked to this way . She looked at the shredded letter . Go to h.e.l.l Wu Yuer bit her lip and stood up from her chair . She walked towards the garden . The old man didn t say anything as he watched Wu Yuer disappear into the garden . He smirked, almost as if he was thinking of something . . . . The River of Trust Province, Huai An County . . . Everyone was in a festive mood . They were all celebrating spring with music and poetry . It was relaxed and fun . Of course, such enjoyment was for the poorer students . They didn t have enough silvers in their pockets but still wanted to enjoy themselves . As such, they simply hung around a lake and played music whilst composing poetry . Speaking of enjoyment . . . They didn t go to the Southern Mountains . Ferocious beasts roamed the mountains and anyone who hadn t accessed Dao would never set foot in them . As such, the River of Trust was the best spot . It was nearby and quiet enough . Most importantly, many s.h.i.+ps pa.s.sed through it . Where there were yachts, there were ladies . Where there were ladies, there were talents . Especially . . . Show offs There was one such talent on the River of Trust . He wore a gold robe and had a jade green sword sheathed at his waist . He was the number one bully in Huai An County . Meng Yushu of the Meng Family . It was unfortunate that he met Fang Zhengzhi in the Dao Examinations . In the end, he was accused of cheating in the Theory Examination and schooled in the Combat Examinations . He seemed to have hit rock bottom . It was a good thing Meng Yushu was a determined individual . He wasn t going to let failure get to him As long as he climbed back up, he was still the master of his own fate . In the recent Dao Examinations, he topped the Huai An County combat examinations . It was one of the best times of his life . As such . . . He decided to relax a little and show off his skills at the River of Trust . He was on a small but exquisitely designed boat . Golden threads adorned the boat s body . There was a huge Meng on the flag of the boat . This was how others could identify him . With this small boat, Meng Yushu was confident that he could definitely board any of the pa.s.sing yachts . Of course, he was someone of influence . No ordinary yacht could catch his eye . Furthermore, with his reputation now, his name would stun anyone in Huai An County . This is the one Meng Yushu gripped the hilt of his sword as he looked up at the golden yacht steaming towards him . He leapt into the sky . Then, the small boat began to move forward with the wind . It was a gorgeous sight, and it attracted the attention of the ladies and other talents on the sh.o.r.e . If the other yachts on the River of Trust were fish . Then this yacht was a dragon A dragon making its way through a school of fish . Intricate carvings covered its entire body and its flags were multi colored . Its flags danced in the wind . Countless talents watched the yacht steam towards that small boat . They were all waiting for Meng Yushu to board it . It was getting close . . . As the yacht approached, Meng Yushu bowed and squinted his eyes . His eyes were filled with confidence . Huai An County, eldest son of the Meng Family, Meng Yushu I request to come aboard your craft Meng Yushu had earned the right to be this confident . After all, there was no one in Huai An County who was more influential than him right now . Furthermore . . . The people on a yacht would not be a powerful cultivator waiting to strike . Generally, they would be ladies or rich men . Either was good Meng Yushu was confident . He was confident that they would know him since they were here in Huai An County . They would stop for him Haha Meng Yushu smirked as he thought to himself . However, he quickly realized that something was wrong . His smile froze . . . Hey, stop, stop . . . stop Bong With a crowd as witness, the large yacht crashed into Meng Yushu s boat . Then, Meng Yushu fell into the river with a splash .