The Demon Lords

Chapter 954 - 214: Rising

The princess’s convoy arrived faster than expected.

Originally, a team was dispatched from Snow Sea Pass to provide escort, expecting to camp outdoors with the princess’s entourage tonight.

After all, the Yan Emperor has no princess, so the princess is the most esteemed woman of the second generation, truly a noblewoman.

But evidently, the princess did not camp outdoors, arriving at Snow Sea Pass in the depths of night.

There is no choice,

since she has arrived,

the usual procedures and protocols must be adhered to.

Lord Zheng is a refined egoist; if he can dispel some troubles, he doesn’t mind doing some surface work.

Besides, the most important point is that everyone knows Lord Pingye is Lord Jingnan’s favored general now.

But if we talk about Zheng Fan’s origins, this princess was his first patron.

However, because Lord Pingye’s subsequent performance was exceptionally brilliant, this matter has kept the princess pegged as an example on the contrary.

Since the message from the messenger indicated the princess was arriving privately, Lord Zheng did not wear official attire and armor, just simple attire, and as it was already cold at night, Siniang helped to add a cloak.

Armored guards stood ready on both sides, and since it was late at night, Snow Sea Pass was still quiet, with no crowd, only the sound of wheels softly rolling by.

The carriage stopped in front of Zheng Fan.

Zheng Fan bowed and said:

"General Zheng Fan of Snow Sea Pass greets the princess."

No need to kneel; after years of toil, fighting north and south, what was sought was to kneel to fewer people.

However, lowering one’s stance a little is not too costly.

Just like the many captains in Beifeng Prefecture, they all appear to be captains, but ultimately distinctions are made by the number of troops and background.

Given the princess’s noble status,

even Zhao Jiulang, a current Prime Minister, must treat her with respect and courtesy.

The carriage curtain was lifted,

Zheng Fan expected a maid to stick her head out and relay messages,

but unexpectedly,

The princess Li Qian herself boldly lifted the curtain,

smiling at Zheng Fan standing before the carriage, she said:

"I hope my intrusion is not a bother, and I hope Lord Pingye won’t be annoyed."

Look,

Listen,

How cultured and sensible these words are!

No longer the chilly tone asking why you weren’t willing to serve the Li family back then.

Ultimately, reputation is earned by one’s own abilities.

"The princess’s presence at Snow Sea Pass is an honor for me, there is no intrusion."

The princess’s gaze bypassed Zheng Fan, looking behind him, she said:

"Lord Pingye, I have military intelligence here, please come to the manor for a discussion."

After speaking,

The princess let go of the curtain.

Military intelligence?

Zheng Fan didn’t believe it.

If there really was military intelligence, someone from the prior escort would have transmitted it first, no matter what, a lone rider would definitely be faster than a carriage.

But this excuse directly blocked what Zheng Fan intended to say next, like having prepared a mansion for the princess to rest, among other things.

Zheng Fan glanced at the blind man standing beside him, the blind man sighed, nodding.

Since she has arrived, she might as well settle in.

Zheng Fan also smiled slightly and stepped aside.

If the princess wishes to go to her estate, so be it, let her come.

After all, Snow Sea Pass bears the Zheng surname, as the host Lord Zheng carries this confidence.

The princess’s carriage began moving, Zheng Fan followed behind, conveniently spotting an elder swordsman following the carriage, who was also watching Zheng Fan.

The carriage moved forward,

Zheng Fan naturally ended up walking alongside the elder.

Actually, Lord Zheng was unwilling; upon noticing the elder, Lord Zheng immediately shifted his gaze, intending to fall back a distance, to avoid the swordsman who could wield a Second Rank sword.

Even with Mo Wan by his side and as a Sixth Rank martial artist, if Seventh Uncle intended to kill him at this distance, it would be a cinch.

Yet, even as you try to avoid, he insists on approaching you.

Seventh Uncle actively stepped in front of Zheng Fan, bowing and greeting:

"My Lord."

"Seventh Uncle, there’s no need for this formality. It’s too distant."

"My Lord’s cultivation talent truly embarrasses this old man, reaching the Sixth Rank martial artist in a mere three years."

When first meeting Zheng Fan, he had only just commenced the path of martial cultivation; three years later, he’s at the Sixth Rank.

Some people are akin to raw gems, initially buried in rocks without any signs, but once unearthed and slightly polished, they instantly shine.

Thinking back, Seventh Uncle even considered accepting Zheng Fan as a disciple, and believed he had expressed his intention, but at that time Zheng Fan wished only to reunite with the Mo Kings, with no intention of becoming a disciple.

Reflecting now,

This was indeed the right choice,

Not because of the military power he commands now, but imagining if he had taken Seventh Uncle as his teacher, learning martial arts, would he be practicing that tedious lifelong sword technique?

This technique, in Lord Zheng’s view, can be dubbed "A lifetime’s one showing" swordsmanship,

even possibly becoming "A lifetime’s no-show" swordsmanship.

"Seventh Uncle, you over-praise."