Chapter 1535: This Can't Be Done Without Her

Wu Chang said, "How you keep it hidden is your concern."

Niu Youdao said, "If this is what you called me here to discuss, then I can't make the decision myself. I need to go back and report it. Only after that can I give you an answer."

Wu Chang said, "You had better not keep me waiting too long."

"Three days. At this same hour three days from now, we'll meet here again."

"Fine. I'll give you three days." Wu Chang threw down the words, turned, and vanished in a flash. He left cleanly, without the slightest fuss.

Both sides understood what the other wanted. Some things needed no tedious explanation.

Three days was still a wait he could afford. The war would not erupt in such haste, and even if it did, surely he could conceal matters for a few days.

Once Wu Chang was gone, Yun Ji visibly relaxed. Niu Youdao said, "Let's go."

The two shot into the air. Yuan Gang immediately swept over on the flying mount to pick them up, and they rapidly departed.

While watching the surroundings, Yun Ji could not help asking, "Why insist on waiting three days?"

Naturally, she knew there was nothing Niu Youdao needed to report. He was the one who could make the final decision.

Niu Youdao said, "For something this important, if I had made the decision right in front of him, what do you think he would have thought?"

Yun Ji fell into thought, then understood.

In truth, Niu Youdao had not expected matters to take this form either. He had known Wu Chang wanted to meet because of Lan Daolin and Du Wuxu, but he had not expected Wu Chang to propose that the two sides join forces and simply kill them head-on.

That alone showed Wu Chang had no better way to deal with those two.

Still, the trip had been alarming without becoming dangerous. From beginning to end, Wu Chang had shown no hostility. Perhaps he had deliberately done so to put them at ease.

No matter what, caution was still necessary. At the very least, they had to put on the proper appearance. They did not return directly to Maolu Villa, but took a long, winding route back to avoid arousing Wu Chang's suspicions.

Things had reached the point where both sides wanted to stab the other in the dark. Neither could do anything openly and honorably.

When the group returned safely, Lü Wushuang finally relaxed and immediately asked how things had gone.

Niu Youdao did not know whether he was imagining it, but he felt that something in the reactions between Lü Wushuang and Yuan Gang was different from before. The look Lü Wushuang gave Yuan Gang seemed to carry something new, almost like a woman standing at her doorway craning her neck for her husband's return. It was utterly unlike the Sacred Venerable Wushuang of old.

And Yuan Gang's attitude toward Lü Wushuang did not seem quite so stiff either. Gone was the old air of reluctance, when every look and gesture seemed to say he wanted nothing to do with her.

Niu Youdao merely sensed something was off. He did not dwell on it. His thoughts were elsewhere.

He considered Wu Chang's proposal carefully.

Ao Feng, Kunlin Shu, Xi Haitang, Gong Lince, Yan Zhutian, Wen Hua, Zhong Guzi, Zhao Xiongge, Wang Zun, Guan Fangyi, Zhuge Chi, Yun Ji.

He wrote all twelve names on a sheet of paper and spent a long time weighing them one by one.

After staying only one day upon his return, the group set out again and appeared at the appointed mountain lake.

Wu Chang did not make them wait long. He soon arrived. After landing, he again glanced at the flying mount circling overhead.

His gaze returned to Niu Youdao's face. "What did you decide?"

Niu Youdao said, "We can cooperate, but we can only send six people."

Wu Chang said, "Six may not be enough. Don't tell me your side has only six Nascent Soul cultivators."

Niu Youdao said, "If your Boundless Demon Domain is truly as useful as you claim, six will be enough. If it isn't, bringing more people won't help."

Wu Chang said, "If I say it works, then it works. I only hope your side doesn't make some mistake."

Niu Youdao said, "Good. Then it's settled. Now tell me how you intend to act."

Wu Chang said, "You agreed readily enough. Aren't you afraid I'll seize the opportunity to turn on you and kill you instead?"

Niu Youdao said, "If you want to kill us, you'll still have to wait until Lan Daolin and Du Wuxu are dead. Since we dared come, naturally we've taken precautions. But since you've brought it up, let me ask you something: once it's over, will you tear down the bridge after crossing the river?"

Wu Chang said, "What do you think?"

Niu Youdao said, "We want a promise from you now."

Wu Chang said, "For something like this, can you believe my promise? If you can, then I'll give you one. Afterward, I'll let you leave. We can settle our accounts later."

Niu Youdao said, "I hope you keep your word."

Wu Chang said, "If you're willing to believe it, then I won't go back on it."

Niu Youdao said, "Then tell me when you plan to act."

"Three days from now. Qiyun Sect. I'll lure those two old ghosts there, trap them myself, and your people will attack."

"Three days isn't enough. I need six days to prepare."

"The longer the night, the more dreams. Do you really need that long?"

"I still need to bring three people out of the Sacred Realm to take part. To avoid alarming those two old ghosts, I may need your cooperation."

Three? Wu Chang's eyes flickered slightly. "That isn't a problem. Within six days, when your people leave the Sacred Realm, have them wear rings on their index fingers. Someone will arrange for them to be sent out."

Niu Youdao nodded. "Good. Within six days, our people will reach this place."

Wu Chang said, "Someone will come to receive you." With that, he turned and vanished with a whoosh.

"Let's go!" Niu Youdao called.

He and Yun Ji rose into the air and landed on the flying mount.

Yuan Gang kept watch over the surroundings as he quickly guided the mount away...

By the time the group returned to Nanzhou, Guan Fangyi had already led a group from Maolu Villa to accompany Shang Chaozong to the front.

Back in the secret chamber, Yuan Gang immediately followed the instructions Niu Youdao had given him on the road. He sent messages to Kunlin Shu, Ao Feng, and Wang Zun, ordering all three to leave the Sacred Realm and gather with them, while explaining the method for getting out. He also sent word to Yuan Cong, telling him to come meet them.

Niu Youdao himself bent over the desk and rapidly wrote five confidential letters. He ordered Yun Ji to make the trip personally and deliver them separately to Xi Haitang, Gong Lince, Yan Zhutian, Wen Hua, and Zhao Xiongge.

After Yun Ji concealed the letters and left, Niu Youdao emerged in his identity as Wang Xiao and took a stroll outside. Night had already fallen.

Inside the Buddhist hall, Yuan Fang wore his kasaya and was leading the monks of Nanshan Temple in their evening devotions. Before the Buddha, the low drone of scripture recitation filled the hall.

The moment he saw Niu Youdao standing in the doorway, Yuan Fang's mind immediately left the chanting.

Niu Youdao lifted a hand, signaling that there was no hurry and that he should finish the devotions first, then turned and left.

Yuan Fang forced himself to remain patient and continued. The moment the evening devotions were over, he stripped off the kasaya and hurried out of the Buddhist hall.

He spotted Niu Youdao standing in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, looking up at the moon. Yuan Fang glanced around, restrained his hurried pace, and walked over at an unhurried speed. Pressing his palms together, he said, "Sir."

Niu Youdao looked back and smiled faintly. Lowering his voice, he said, "I have something for you to handle."

"Please tell me." Yuan Fang put on an attentive expression.

After Niu Youdao gave him the instructions, he returned to the courtyard where Yun Ji was staying.

Yuan Fang, meanwhile, took several monks to the kitchen. After preparing a food box, he personally carried it to the neighboring princely residence to find Shang Shuqing and Yin'er.

Yin'er was in misery because Shang Shuqing was teaching her to write by lamplight in the study.

Yin'er did not want to write, but Shang Shuqing was using food to threaten her: no writing, no food. So Yin'er could only clutch the brush with an expression of agony and defile the paper.

When she learned Yuan Fang had come looking for her, Shang Shuqing was somewhat surprised. She would not refuse to see someone from Maolu Villa. After telling Yin'er to keep practicing, she left the study.

When they met and she learned he had come merely to deliver food for Yin'er, Shang Shuqing did not know whether to laugh or cry, but she still accepted the kindness.

Just after taking the food box, however, Yuan Fang suddenly lowered his voice and asked, "Commandery Princess, is Mister Lan in the residence?"

Shang Shuqing paused. She immediately realized his purpose was not so simple. In a low voice, she replied, "The front is preparing for war, and there is a great deal to handle in the rear. Mister Lan has been working very late these days before returning."

Yuan Fang said, "That makes sense. Master Dao foresaw it more clearly. Commandery Princess, Master Dao has something to discuss with you and Mister Lan. When Mister Lan returns, please let him know. Have him come to Maolu Villa first thing tomorrow morning. Remember, don't let anyone become suspicious."

Shang Shuqing froze for a moment. Then delight flashed through her eyes. "Mm. I understand."

Yuan Fang took his leave.

Returning to the study with thoughts churning in her mind, Shang Shuqing no longer had the heart to supervise Yin'er's writing. Instead, she simply gave her the food.

Yin'er was delighted to have something to eat and thought of nothing else...

Early the next morning, Lan Ruoting and Shang Shuqing came together to visit Maolu Villa. They deliberately brought gifts, saying they were local specialties sent up from the commanderies and counties below, and also returned the food box. Yuan Fang had long since been waiting to receive them.

After exchanging greetings with some of the people in the villa, Lan Ruoting and Shang Shuqing went to Yun Ji's residence.

Yun Ji was not there. Niu Youdao received them himself.

Yin'er recognized Wang Xiao's true identity at a glance and immediately brightened. She had just opened her mouth to shout "Daodao!" when a glare from Niu Youdao choked the word back down her throat.

Outside, Yuan Fang appeared to be strolling around idly, but in truth he was keeping watch to make sure no one approached.

Once inside, Yin'er fainted again. Niu Youdao had caught her off guard and knocked her unconscious, mainly because having her awake nearby was troublesome.

Lan Ruoting and Shang Shuqing looked at one another, speechless, then sat at Niu Youdao's invitation.

Lan Ruoting was actually somewhat embarrassed. Only after Shang Shuqing notified him the previous night had he discovered that she had long known Niu Youdao was still alive. All his careful secrecy had merely made him the petty one.

Now and then, he stole glances at the way Shang Shuqing looked at Niu Youdao. Each time, he sighed inwardly.

What a tangled fate!

Niu Youdao did not waste words and went directly to the matter. "Commandery Princess, in a few days, you and Yin'er may need to leave with me."

Shang Shuqing gave a soft "Mm," accepting it, then asked, "Where are we going? Do I need to prepare anything?"

"No need to prepare anything." Niu Youdao waved a hand, then turned his gaze toward Lan Ruoting. "Mister Lan, you do need to prepare some things."

Lan Ruoting nodded. "Please tell me."

Niu Youdao said, "I need to place the Commandery Princess secretly near Prince Ning's Villa in Canglu County. Mister Lan, you must secretly prepare five hundred ordinary-sized chests at Prince Ning's Villa, and also have a transport convoy ready inside Canglu County's city. Once the cargo sets out, it must be rushed to His Highness at the front under the guise of military supplies. The convoy will travel without stopping, so make certain remounts are prepared all along the route."

Lan Ruoting did not know what he intended to do, but he still needed enough detail to make the arrangements. "How many men should I assign as escorts?"

Niu Youdao said, "Not many. The drivers traveling with the convoy will be enough. When the time comes, I'll personally bring several people to escort it. There shouldn't be any problem with security along the way."

Seeing that Niu Youdao still would not explain what the matter involved, Lan Ruoting glanced at Shang Shuqing and tried probing indirectly. "The Commandery Princess will be involved in this as well?"

Niu Youdao said, "This can't be done without her!"

[End of Chapter 1535]