Siming could only feel at a loss for words. The Whale Hunter, an orphan with a temperament both arbitrary and extreme, and Sword Madman, who was arrogantly proud all his life and never explained himself to anyone, were both quite protective, especially when provoked.
One was the type to hold in his anger, not speak a word, but plan to kill you so thoroughly you’d die without understanding why.
The other would state his reasons before crushing you thoroughly and righteously.
These two individuals naturally had the most incompatible personalities.
Add to that the relationship between Li Guan Yi and Shaking Light.
There was likely to be a fight.
A conflict between the world’s foremost Grandmaster and a legend of Martial Arts.
For a moment, Siming didn’t know whether to enjoy the show or avoid this deadly danger.
Suddenly, he saw Sword Madman sipping tea and then he added:
"Moreover, he abandoned her when Shaking Light was just a child. Had they remained estranged, it would have been fine; but if he now intends to use his fatherly status to dictate to the younger generation, I only have one word for such a person."
Sword Madman coldly muttered:
Such was his attitude toward a legend of Martial Arts.
Siming was left dumbstruck, suddenly feeling that such a significant event might not have occurred in centuries. This was something he had to witness. With a gesture of his hand, he pushed away the Mystic Turtle Dharma Form and then clapped his thigh, exclaiming:
"Damn, such an intriguing event!"
Several days later, Li Guan Yi had reorganized the Qilin Army as it initially was; the soldiers, donned in armor, stood arrayed in formation. They were unaware of what Li Guan Yi intended to do as they saw their main general ascend a platform constructed of sand and soil. After reviewing them, he said:
"Gentlemen, do you still recognize me?"
This was what Li Guan Yi had said to these soldiers of the Qilin Army a year ago.
At the moment, everyone burst out laughing, but Li Guan Yi did not mind; he just let them laugh before speaking, "Last year at the end of summer, we left Zhenbei Pass, and afterwards rushed all the way here. At that time, I told you I would bring you home, to allocate lands to you."
"Do you still remember?"
The Qilin Army suddenly became serious, their smiles freezing as they looked up intently at the young man. They watched as their main general raised a hand, signaling for several heavy wooden boxes to be brought forth. Li Guan Yi placed his hand on them, whispering:
The breaths of the soldiers of the Qilin Army grew heavy.
They were bandits forced into the mountains after losing their homelands, so-called misfits of the great state, who had to live squalid lives in the mountains after fleeing their hometowns. Now, their main general was about to return to them what they desired most.
Fan Qing’s breathing quickened.
Li Guan Yi declared in a deep voice: "As per the procedure agreed upon by the sir and me, everyone is included."
"Now, it is time for me to fulfill the promise I made then."
The young general looked at these people, who had been with him from being rebels, bandits, to now the renowned Qilin Army, and a gentle smile appeared on his face as he extended his hand: "You can now choose your own paths."
"You may, if you wish, return to your fields."
"Or you can choose to come back."
He extended his hand, and golden light spread across his palm, eventually forming into the Fierce Tiger Sky Shouting Halberd. It spun once, sweeping up the crimson Qilin Battle Banner, then planted the halberd into the ground, allowing the crimson banner to flutter in the wind.
Li Guan Yi looked at the people before him and said:
"Ten days’ time, within these ten days, claim your land."
"After ten days, I will be here waiting. Those who wish to return to civilian life, bring back your weapons and armor and receive military pay to leave; those who wish to return, I’ll be here, waiting for you."
Yuwen Tianxian’s eyes fell, his expression becoming intense.
That day, the soldiers of the Qilin Army went to claim their lands while Yuwen Tianxian and Yuwen Hua went to find Li Guan Yi. Li Guan Yi seemed unsurprised by the general’s visit and served up Jiangnan wine with a few dishes, and they drank together under the moonlight.
Halfway through drinking, Yuwen Tianxian, holding his cup, looked at the moon and said:
"A year ago, I could never have imagined that you and I would have the chance to drink under the moon ."
Li Guan Yi replied: "That’s why they say, life is full of wonders."
Yuwen Tianxian smiled broadly, then holding his cup, said: "The Qilin Army distributing lands will definitely affect the interests of the aristocratic families in Jiangnan. However, no power in Jiangnan can match you, especially since the Murong Family is the largest and strongest there."
"Your policies will face obstacles here, but they’ll surely succeed."
Li Guan Yi replied with a smile: "Then I’ll take that as your propitious words, General Yuwen."
Yuwen Tianxian suddenly stood up, his cup in hand and knelt on one knee, stating solemnly: "However, at this juncture, please allow me and my nephew to take our leave." Li Guan Yi quickly offered support, but Yuwen Tianxian, being of a higher realm, wasn’t moved by the support.
Yuwen Tianxian looked at Li Guan Yi and said: "Considering everything that has transpired up to today, my nephew and I have fought under your command, settling former grievances, and now that you’ve established yourself in Jiangnan and all previous captives have been sent back to their country."
"It is time for me to leave."
"After all, I am a descendant of the Yuwen Family, raised by my clan and owing loyalty to my country. I must remember to return the favor. Li Guan Yi, please do not refuse this."