Chapter 1860: Chapter 1853: Unexpected Return

Seeing the person in Cheng Ziang’s arms, Luo’er was initially startled, but upon noticing everyone else was safe, he breathed a sigh of relief.

“This is…” he cautiously asked.

“Her name is Hun Jiansi, she’s my…friend…” Cheng Ziang replied with his head lowered, his voice somber.

“I see, then she…”

“She’s gone…”

“My condolences…”

Luo’er pursed his lips, holding back his curiosity without further questioning. Tangmo noticed and immediately understood Luo’er’s thoughts.

Apparently, Luo’er didn’t plan to probe into their relationship; since she’s passed, there’s no need to dwell on the matter.

“I would like…to bury her, is that alright?” Cheng Ziang raised his head, asking pleadingly.

“Go ahead.”

Luo’er gently nodded.

“Thank you…”

Cheng Ziang’s tone held gratitude mixed with a hint of guilt.

“Little Ke.”

Luo’er glanced at Hu Daoke, giving him a signal.

“Hey,” Hu Daoke, understanding, offered, “Old Cheng, let me go with you.”

As the two departed, Luo’er and the two girls returned to the campfire, with the sky gradually darkening, as if nothing had happened. Luo’er returned to his usual calm demeanor.

“The Wu Dynasty might not let us off that easily,” Baiyue said, sitting next to Luo’er, worriedly.

“I know, but no matter what, we have to go back,” Luo’er nodded in agreement.

“Do you really think the Wen Family can regain control of the court?” Baiyue asked, unable to resist.

“Not necessarily…”

Luo’er shrugged.

“Then why are you…”

“What’s the alternative, interference?”

“If…the Wu Family persists in troubling us, then I’d rather intervene,” Baiyue said after a moment of silence.

“Don’t worry, the Wen Family might not be able to reclaim the court, but the Wu Family definitely won’t last long,” Luo’er sighed lightly before continuing, “They missed their best chance, and there’s no opportunity to regain control over the political situation.”

“The best chance?” Tangmo interjected, unable to help himself.

“The best chance was when the Dongsheng Empire was first established. At that time, the people of Kyushu were used to the Wu Family’s rule. For them, the Wen Family’s rule may have been gentle, but ultimately it was something they couldn’t adapt to immediately…”

“However, the Wu Family chose to retreat during that time, perhaps out of fear, or perhaps tired of the endless feuds among the Nobility. Once the Wen Family thoroughly controlled the court and completed political indoctrination over two hundred years with their ministers, the Wu Family had no chance to reclaim their rightful power.”

“Political indoctrination…”

“Calling it indoctrination might not sound good, but if I say it’s a behavioral inertia, you might understand. After experiencing profound changes, it’s hard to go back. Having lived through generations of gentle rule from the Wen Family, the current people of Kyushu aren’t likely to accept the harsh rule of the past like their fathers did…”

“Whether on Earth or in the Otherworld, essentially it’s a matter of settling for less bad. Life might be bad now, but no one wants to live in a worse world. So I assert that the Wu Family’s rule won’t last long, especially since they’ve completely antagonized the Wen Family.”

“But…” Baiyue furrowed her brows slightly, “The Dongsheng Empire is essentially a nation ruled by Cultivators; Cultivators are the foundation of this country.”

“No, the masses are the creators of history, and this is true whether on Earth or in the Otherworld. If you don’t recognize this, it means your political understanding needs revision…”

“No matter how good magic is, without forming productivity, it’s ultimately just the representation of force. Whether it’s magic or cultivation, they’re merely using magic as the source of their power. However, production and development are the essence of this world. And those responsible for this duty are millions of people from the Otherworld…”

“Why did the Otherworld Allied Army invade Australia and get one-sidedly defeated by the US army? Why can multinational forces invade the Otherworld and confront the home-advantaged Otherworld Allied Army equally? This is the benefit of productivity development. Even the downgraded Earth army can still withstand the magical advantage of the Otherworld’s forces.”

Baiyue nodded thoughtfully, then continued to ask, “So you mean that the Wu Family will eventually be overthrown because they can no longer represent new productivity?”

“They might be overthrown by the nobility forces supporting the Wen Family, or perhaps by grassroots armies. Overall, the backward system represented by the Wu Family no longer has a survival soil in the Dongsheng Empire. Retreat is their best option; if they choose stubbornness, the outcome is predictable.”

While the three were talking, Fulajie’er suddenly appeared before them, showing a troubled expression and adopting a hesitant posture.

“What’s up, showing that expression all of a sudden?” Luo’er asked curiously.

“Luo’er,” Fulajie’er blinked, hesitantly asking, “Did you say all the Advance Team should return home intact?”

“I did, what’s the matter?”

“Does that mean we can’t abandon any companion?” Fulajie’er asked cautiously.

“Of course.”

Luo’er nodded as if it were a matter of course.

“Then, if someone left the team on her own, would you still welcome her back?” Fulajie’er revealed cautiously.

Luo’er froze upon hearing this and then suddenly grew serious as he asked, “Let her tell me herself.”

“Is it Feng? Did she come? Where is she?”

Unlike Luo’er’s seriousness, hearing this, Tangmo excitedly responded.

“Uh, well, with that demeanor, I think…”

“What, should I smile?” Luo’er asked seriously.

“Forget it, it’s good enough that she’s home…” Fulajie’er said somewhat reluctantly.

Seeing Luo’er’s serious expression, Fulajie’er finally sighed, chose compromise, and said with resignation, “I knew I couldn’t dodge it, there’s no point in testing.”

With that, she flickered and vanished back into the darkness.

Luo’er didn’t seem surprised by Feng’s appearance, as he had already heard from the pursuers about Feng’s escape and expected her appearance.

What made him angry was Feng’s refusal to heed the directives of the Advance Team, acting on her own in the Dongsheng Empire’s internal affairs. Whether as a member of the Advance Team or as an imperial princess, her interference troubled Luo’er deeply.

In Luo’er’s view, Feng had always been obedient, implementing his orders perfectly. Thus, upon hearing her decision, Luo’er felt an inexplicable sense of betrayal, the main reason for his displeasure.

In any case, he was the Captain of the Advance Team. Although usually polite and amiable to everyone, when it comes to matters of principle, Luo’er was stricter than anyone.

Soon after Fulajie’er disappeared, a familiar petite figure emerged at the edge of the forest. Seemingly sensing Luo’er’s powerful aura, she hesitated with each step, nervously fixing her gaze on Luo’er by the campfire.

Nearby, Fulajie’er emitted a glow, guiding her path. And perhaps due to the atmosphere, Fulajie’er remained silent, adopting a detached stance as though worried about getting involved.

“Feng!”

Upon seeing the familiar figure, Tangmo unabashedly greeted her happily. Probably only she could ignore the tense aura Luo’er was projecting now.

“Sister Moumou…”

Seeing Tangmo approaching directly, Feng also revealed a faint smile, meekly calling out. But this expression lasted only a moment before Feng’s large eyes anxiously turned back to the brooding Luo’er.

Tangmo held her hands, pulling her into a hug, gently soothing her: “Don’t worry, I’m here. Luo’er won’t do anything to you. He can’t bear to.”

“I’m sorry…” Feng murmured softly.

“It’s okay, you’re home now, don’t think too much about anything else.”

After some comfort, Tangmo released Feng, holding her little hand to walk confidently toward Luo’er, ready to face his reprimand together.