Zhou Zida’s face looked uncomfortable.
However, he had already been thoroughly stripped by Ye Siheng and his wife, and after thinking for a moment, he felt there was nothing left to hide.
"In the Immortal World, the secrets of Talisman Cultivation are controlled by several major sects. Ordinary people can hardly learn talismanic arts. The top ten cities that this most handsome young master just mentioned are famous in the Lower Realm, but to the sects of the Upper Realm, these cities are nothing.
Therefore, the top ten cities don’t have much in the way of secret manuals or collections, and for people in the Lower Realm, it is already difficult to gather enough spiritual energy and become martial artists."
"As for these high-end talismans, we’ve only heard of them, but never seen them. Take the Transfer Talisman for instance... it could sell for at least 3,000 middle-grade spirit stones," Zhou Zida explained in a low voice.
Nanli rolled her eyes. "It sounds like the Lower Realm is in a much worse situation than us in the Human World. You can gather a bit of spiritual energy, but can’t learn anything useful."
Not to mention her, who had lived two lifetimes, but even White-Browed Priest and others had some knowledge of talismanic arts.
Zhou Zida pressed his lips together before continuing: "Yes, I’ve heard from some elders that the Lower Realm used to have sects, but they were all wiped out by the sects of the Upper Realm, and their manuals were plundered and divided."
His gaze dimmed, and his fists clenched, as if holding back a lot of unspoken feelings.
Nanli noticed this and spoke up:
"You are overly obsessed, which is not good for your cultivation. Sometimes, you need to let go. When your heart is at ease, you will gain new insights on the path of martial arts."
"After all, hatred can sometimes cloud your judgment."
Zhou Zida was startled, staring at Nanli. "You... how do you know..."
Nanli asked, "Did your ancestors often come to you in dreams?"
Nanli pointed behind him, "They are following you right now."
Zhou Zida froze and quickly turned around, but he saw nothing, only the dim light in the corridor.
However, a faint chill ran through him, and he knew Nanli was telling the truth.
Zhou Zida lost his composure. He choked up, "Actually, I’m..."
Nanli waved her hand, stopping him from continuing, "Stop. I’m not interested in your family’s grudges. I just want to remind you that since you currently have no ability to take revenge, let it go for now. Focus on cultivating well, don’t pressure yourself too much. Once you gain the strength, you can take up this matter again and deal with your enemies one by one."
Zhou Zida’s impression of Nanli completely changed.
Although this woman had hurt him before, today she actually gave him advice!
His emotions stirred, and his gaze became almost burning.
He was deeply moved: "You... you’re actually quite a good person!"
Nanli furrowed her brows, clarifying her intention: "You misunderstood. I don’t want you to waste the Vein-Ease Pill because you’re going to be my fourth brother’s future punching bag."
Zhou Zida’s illusions were shattered.
Nanli and Ye Siheng left.
Chu Yang laughed loudly, "Brother Zhou, I look forward to your guidance in the future!"
Though he laughed, Zhou Zida already felt the heavy killing intent from Chu Yang.
He swallowed nervously.
It seemed... it seemed he might truly become a punching bag with no way to fight back.
The next day, Chu Yang strapped on his long spear and sword case, rode his swift horse, and took Zhou Zida, the future punching bag, out of the capital.
Madam Liang was, of course, heartbroken.
Her son had grown up and now had his own path.
Out there, challenging martial arts experts, he would not only suffer from the long journey but also face dangerous situations.
But this was Chu Yang’s long-time wish, and no one in the family opposed or stopped him, only reminding him to be cautious along the way.
Nanli also went to see him off.
But upon returning to the Prince Yu Mansion, her face changed slightly.
Ye Siheng looked worried, "What’s wrong?"
Nanli nervously looked at him and said, "I forgot to remind fourth brother not to give himself some ridiculous nickname."
Ye Siheng’s lips twitched slightly.
However, he comforted her, "Your fourth brother is well-read, his chosen name should be decent."
"Well, that’s true." Nanli nodded and dismissed the concern.
But half a month later, Nanli looked at the report sent by the undercover spies and was utterly stunned.
What kind of nickname was that?! It was worse than the two names Chopper and Cutter!
She looked at Ye Siheng with some grievance, "Didn’t you say fourth brother had read a few books and wouldn’t be so careless when choosing a name?"
"This..." Ye Siheng was also quite shocked, but the report on Chu Yang’s activities was very detailed.
It all started when Chu Yang stepped in to teach a gang of bandits a lesson.
Unfortunately, these bandits refused to repent and schemed to burn Chu Yang and the people with him alive.
But Chu Yang carried his spear and led the people out of the fire.
Though his clothes were burning, his skin was unharmed, and with a sweep of his spear, he knocked the bandits into the flames.
The people, grateful, asked his name.
Chu Yang didn’t know why, but he just blurted out, "Call me Firewood Burner!"
Ye Siheng said, "Maybe we should send him a message and suggest he call himself Fire Cloud Young Hero instead?"
Nanli helplessly shook her head, "Forget it, as long as fourth brother likes it."
Ye Siheng sighed in relief and tried to cheer her up, "Don’t be upset. Actually, Firewood Burner isn’t bad, it’s... very grounded."
Another half month passed.
Probably because someone had mocked Chu Yang’s nickname, he changed it to a new one: Firewood Slayer.
Although Chu Yang still clung to the Firewood theme, it was much better than the last one, and Nanli was somewhat relieved.
When Ye Siheng returned to the mansion, Nanli excitedly told him about it.
"Slayer is much better than Burner," Ye Siheng secretly relaxed.
Fortunately, fourth brother was open to advice.
He probably realized his obsession with firewood, so he considered several other words for the nickname.
In the end, fourth brother chose the word "slayer," perhaps because he wanted to slay all evil in the world.
Though Ye Siheng’s work in the capital was no longer needed, the affairs of the Border Nation still required their attention.
With the Mu Nation’s court stable, they began preparing to visit the Border Nation for inspection.
After all, although Nanli was a symbolic queen, if any injustice was done to the people, it would be blamed on her.
Before their departure, they had a meal at the Guo Gong residence.
Chu Hanming had somehow received news of this and returned, hoping to show himself in front of Nanli for a chance to move back to the Guo Gong residence.
He asked Lady Tian to prepare various pastries and said with a smile, "A’Li, this is from second uncle and second aunt. Take it with you on your journey, don’t go hungry."
Grand Lady nodded with satisfaction, "Very good, very good, second brother, second sister-in-law, you are thoughtful."
As elders, they naturally needed to care for the younger generation and set a good example.
But at that moment, Chu Shuo burst into the flower hall, fuming, "Second uncle, did you steal seventh sister’s merman pearl to sell it?!"