Hong Fang kept an eye on Chou Alchemist's expression as he spoke.

Chou Alchemist did not seem happy upon hearing the news; instead, there was a faint color of fear between the lines.

"If Chou Alchemist is interested, I can recommend you for a journey to Dan City," Hong Fang observed everything and chuckled inwardly.

"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Grand Protector. I am indeed eager to contribute to the Northwest Battlefield, but alas, I must tend to Emperor Xia's headache. Therefore, I must leave this opportunity to other colleagues from the Imperial Hospital," Chou Alchemist spoke with an air of moral righteousness.

He was muttering in his heart.

Only if his brain were caught in a door would he consider going to Dan City.

How many Master Alchemists have already lost their lives there?

Is it the sixth or the seventh?

It had been one Master Alchemist death every four or five years since Dan City's establishment.

Either they died during the transportation of Elixir Pills, or due to accidents in Alchemy. The unluckiest one got his head chopped off by the explosive-tempered northwest garrison leader for failing to deliver the Elixir Pills on time.

Everyone knew that near Dan City, an abundance of Spiritual Beasts roamed, and although he was a Seven Rank Alchemist, his expertise lay in Alchemy. Going to Dan City would mean a slim chance of survival.

In the past, those who were not valued in the Imperial Hospital would be sent to Dan City as cannon fodder.

"So Chou Alchemist can't go to Dan City? What a pity. In that case, I can't explain to the soldiers in the northwest. Does Chou Alchemist have any suitable candidates to recommend?" Hong Fang asked, leading him along gently.

Malice churned in Chou Alchemist's belly.

If Alchemist Mei failed to refine the Reincarnation Elixir this time, she'd most likely be dispatched to Dan City.

Unfortunately, she succeeded in refining the Reincarnation Elixir and became the head of the Imperial Hospital, so she definitely couldn't go to Dan City. As for the remaining people…

Suddenly, Chou Alchemist's eyes lit up, and he looked back at Hong Fang, who was observing him with a somber face.

"My lord, I do have an extremely suitable candidate. It's the assistant to Master Long Yu, Princess Ye. She also assisted Alchemist Mei during the refinement of the Reincarnation Elixir, and as a Martial Artist, no one could be a better fit for Dan City than her."

"Oh? Princess Ye seems a bit too young and inexperienced," Hong Fang awaited for Chou Alchemist to recommend Ye Lingyue.

"Lord, rest assured, although Princess Ye is young, she comes from a prestigious lineage and holds the title of a Commandery Princess. Her presence at the frontline will represent the court's support, which will undoubtedly inspire both soldiers and alchemists there," Chou Alchemist praised Ye Lingyue eloquently, showing no embarrassment for his earlier dismissive attitudes towards her.

The words from Old Marquis on that day, about not laying hands on Ye Lingyue in Xia Capital and not to act personally to avoid backlash, reminded Hong Fang.

Sending Ye Lingyue to Dan City was a plan; whether she could make it there was another matter.

"If that's the case, then please accompany me to report to Emperor Xia that we have selected a candidate for Dan City."

A few days later, the Northwest Expedition Army assembled. Hong Fang and Xia Houhong, both clad in armor, led fifty thousand soldiers, marching towards the northwest.

As the army set out, the streets of Xia Capital were filled with citizens who came to see them off and watch.

"Western Expedition Great General is mighty."

"Long live the Fourth Prince."

A procession of well-aligned troops and an immaculately dressed Xia Houhong rode by on his horse, seeming mostly recovered from his injury. His presence earned screams from the city's noblewomen and young girls.

As for Hong Fang, who was skilled in both letters and arms, he rode past the city gate along with the distinctively characterized Hong Yulang, who was experiencing his first battle.

Hong Yulang was also dressed like a young warrior, and he knew that this Western Expedition was arranged by his father to pave the way for his entry into an official career, so he was very much looking forward to it.

"Husband, Yulang, you must be careful on your way. Yuying and I will wait for your good news in Xia Capital."

Zhuge Rou, accompanied by her daughter Hong Yuying, came to the city gates of Xia Capital to see them off.

The couple looked reluctant to part.

"At such an age, still acting like young lovers. It truly makes one sick," at a teahouse not far from the city gate, Ye Lingyue and Lan Cai'er sat by the window side, sipping tea and watching the bustling scene on the street.

Seeing the affectionate display of Hong Fang and Zhuge Rou, Lan Cai'er knew that Aunt Ye was Hong Fang's legal wife, and at best Zhuge Rou was a concubine; just watching them made Lan Cai'er feel they were an eyesore.

"Xia Houhong is even more disgusting," Yan Che stood behind Ye Lingyue, watching Xia Houhong ride past on the street.

Unexpectedly, Xia Houhong was able to walk out of the Heavenly Prison so quickly.

"It's true, Emperor Xia is really biased. For such a heavy crime, he pardoned it just like that," Lan Cai'er curled her lips, looking at Xia Houhong's smug demeanor; she felt an itch to punch.

"If you don't want people to know, don't do it. Things won't be so easily resolved," Ye Lingyue smiled coldly.

She had just finished speaking when she noticed a soldier with a helmet, wearing a mask, suddenly turned around and looked over.

The man scanned the direction of the teahouse and then glared at Ye Lingyue as a warning.

Who was that man?

Ye Lingyue quickly noticed that there were two inseparable guards by Xia Houhong's side, one was the guard who had noticed her, and the other was a short man.

"Return my child's life!"

"Damn Fourth Prince, you treat human life like grass!"

"Beast! You are going to suppress rebellion; you're worse than the beasts of the northwest!"

Suddenly, the crowd became agitated. Some men dressed like farmhands and peasants rushed out of the crowd with clubs and hoes, assaulting Xia Houhong furiously.

"Protect the Fourth Prince!"

The Western Expedition Army faced the danger as if facing a formidable enemy. They struggled with the crowd, pushing those civilians who intended to make trouble away from the Fourth Prince.

The two masked guards by the Fourth Prince's side were also on high alert.

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

From the commotion, suddenly something flew from all directions.

"Hidden weapons!"

Rotten vegetable leaves, stinky eggs, and tomatoes flew like rain.

"Scoundrels!" Xia Houhong was enraged, his Primordial Power burst forth with a roar.

"Fourth Prince, hold back, don't injure the civilians in the street." Hong Fang, at the city gate, heard the commotion and looked back to see the Fourth Prince about to use force on the street, and was shocked.

After all, Xia Houhong was a Martial Artist in the Elixir Realm. If he exploded with Primordial Power, the nearby civilians would surely be affected. Hong Fang did not want to waste this rare opportunity to win over the hearts of the people.