Such a person, however, became disoriented due to his elder brother Qin, known for his bold, dual-club-wielding stance, coughing up blood. After getting ashore, he carried Qin Yulong on his back, seeking medical help everywhere. It was during this stage that their relationship began to change.
"Reflecting on the past, it indeed evokes nostalgia, not realizing it was already over a decade ago. I had also reached the Grandmaster Realm that I once thought impossible to achieve. Back then, if we had crossed swords and again clashed with old Mr. Kou Yulie."
Li Guanyi cracked a smile.
Kou Yulie: I’m the eighteenth Divine General of the realm?
The old man, facing Qin Yulong, would cry to death.
During a casual conversation, the flaming Suan Ni fixated its gaze on Li Guanyi, flames bursting forth and falling into the bronze tripod, which was different from before; previously, the bronze tripod could only absorb Primordial Qi from martial artists like Yue Qianfeng and Xue Daoyong.
The process was slow, resembling the collection of the scattered fragments from others.
Most importantly, it required a martial artist of that caliber to make a move against Li Guanyi to complete the true absorption.
But at that moment, the bronze tripod seemed to be pulling water like a water pump.
In just a short tea-time conversation, the bronze tripod was fully charged to perfection!
Qin Yulong yawned and then, feeling it was rude, apologized with a look on his face, "For some reason, perhaps because I was about to meet Marquis Qin Wu, my spirit is restless. I had a good sleep last night, yet suddenly felt quite tired."
Jiang Gao casually said, "There are no heroes in the world younger than Marquis Qin Wu."
"It’s normal for Yulong to feel this way."
Jiang Gao laughed and said, "The Qilin Army will soon leave for Central State. Given the busy military affairs in recent days and Yulong being tired, we both will take our leave."
Li Guanyi did not overly insist on their stay, just escorting them out. Before parting, Qin Yulong took out an item and handed it to Li Guanyi, saying with a smile, "Knowing you and Shuangtao are close, this is a gift from her great-aunt. If you happen to meet Shuangtao, give it to her."
Li Guanyi saw that it was a hairpin.
Its style was simple and rustic, yet naturally exuded a sense of warmth.
One could tell at a glance that it was of considerable age, an antique indeed.
Qin Yulong’s expression was gentle as he said, "This is a heirloom of the Xue Family, traditionally given only to women, not men. It is intended for the eldest daughter of the Xue Family to find her beloved one, who will then personally style her hair with it, signifying a lifetime commitment."
"It was originally meant for Peijun, but as we have lived in Ying Country over the years and considering the issues between us and my father-in-law, Peijun felt guilty holding onto it and had no chance to return it."
"We were also reluctant to send this item to the Chen Country court, so we kept it suppressed until we heard about your matter, prompting me to pass this jade hairpin to you."
"You can then give it to Shuangtao."
This handsome and distinguished general patted Li Guanyi’s shoulder, reflecting on his younger days when he rode a horse and wielded two iron clubs, overturning martial artists along the riverbanks and befriending heroes:
"As for you, whether you plan to hand it to her directly or personally style her hair with it."
"Hahaha, it’s up to you!"
Qin Yulong laughed heartily and left at ease, returning home to see his wife and child. The child was reading about military strategies. When Xue Peijun saw him return, she asked, "Did you see the child?"
Qin Yulong emphasized, "It’s Marquis Qin Wu."
Xue Peijun widened her eyes and said, "He should call me great-aunt."
"If you say Marquis Qin Wu, shouldn’t he also address you as the Great General, the Marquis Yi of Ying Country? Family shouldn’t speak ."
Qin Yulong, smiling, said, "Yes, yes, the lady is right, I was too formal. But Marquis Qin Wu is well-known everywhere, I am the nation’s Great General, and being too close to Marquis Qin Wu could provoke criticisms."
Xue Peijun, who was not unreasonable, massaged Qin Yulong’s shoulders while speaking, "What my husband says is also true... but why did you go directly?"
Qin Yulong placed his hands over his wife’s, his voice calm as he smiled, "It was because of the Crown Prince, His Highness is magnanimous and adept at utilizing talents. He even carved out time for me to chat with Marquis Qin Wu."
"Later, as we chatted, the Crown Prince was just beside us, sipping tea and occasionally interjecting. It was because of the Crown Prince that I dared to do such a thing; if it had been Prince Jiang Guang instead, where would I have the courage?"
"It’s wise to protect oneself and stay away from court intrigues."
Xue Peijun frowned and said,
"If it were that Prince, don’t even mention seeing Guanyi."
"Even the positions of this Great General and Great General would be gone."
Qin Yulong nodded, admitting, "That’s true."
"However, with the Crown Prince’s kindness and public support, the throne will never fall into the hands of Prince Jiang Guang; you and I can rest easy."
"After all, too many court officials oppose me; given my background, those who are suspicious of me will certainly doubt me, and those who trust me will indeed trust me... there are more issues with Qin Yulong than seeing Marquis Qin Wu."
Xue Peijun playfully counted with her fingers, saying:
"First entering the Martial World, then traveling widely, serving as a bandit leader in the stronghold, fighting against the regular army, marrying the enemy state’s Prime Minister’s eldest daughter, the Empress’s sister, the Chen State Crown Prince’s aunt, furthermore distancing from the aristocratic family of Ying Country."
"Ah, General Qin, you indeed navigate the edge of danger."