CHAPTER 39: CHAPTER 39: REBELS EMERGE! [5000-WORD CHAPTER, VOTE REQUEST!]

"Hmm, hmm, hmm~"

Humming a cheerful tune, Ji Mo stepped out of the great hall where the Queen’s private banquet had been held, his ring faintly glowing as a folding fan dropped into his hand, swaying gently.

Feng Ge stayed a while longer to eat, for as a General, an ample meal was needed for robust energy.

The whispered private exchanges between the two had not been overheard by anyone.

As if nothing unusual had happened, Ji Mo surveyed this foreign palace. He saw halls interconnected, each unique in design, with golden pillars standing by ornate pools, and silver flowers filling the courtyards.

The decorations throughout were quite opulent. The corridors where Ji Mo walked even boasted bathed sun jade from Tang Valley, Star Minerals from Northern Wilderness, Yunxiang silk from Human Domain, and noctilucent ice from West Sea—all treasured adornments rarely found in Women’s country.

Of course, to Young Master Ji, the rarest sight was that of the palace Maidens occasionally glimpsed—they were mostly of outstanding beauty but hurried in their steps.

Following the sound of laughter, Ji Mo quickly found the Queen’s sleeping quarters and said from outside,

"In this Women’s country, even the King’s sleeping quarters are unguarded—can anyone just enter?"

His advance announcement was to signal his arrival, to avoid any potentially disrespectful scenes.

However, after passing a back wall adorned with several ’Goddess’ portraits and walking beyond the Screens on both sides, the scene that unfolded before Ji Mo made his eyes light up.

The first thing he saw was that robust tree.

This ancient tree, of unknown age, must be a rare species from the Great Wilderness. From its base to the canopy filled with pink blossoms, it seemed to be made of jade.

At that moment, the Queen and Bear Brother were seated on two giant swings, each ten zhang long, swaying back and forth beneath the tree.

The Queen’s golden ribbons fluttered alongside her dense long hair, her laughter clear and joyous.

Each time she swung forward, her long hair and ribbons floated backward, and her slim, straight legs kicked out in front, presenting an irresistible, enchanting view.

As she swung back, her hair and ribbons became slightly disordered, showing another kind of allure.

Even Wu Wang, who rarely laughed loudly, couldn’t stop his frequent laughter now.

This place was supposed to be a courtyard, surrounded by outer palace walls on all four sides. The Queen had ordered banners of various colors hung on the outside walls. With a layer of raised wooden planks on the ground, accompanied by furnishings like ornamental pools, bookshelves, and a canopy bed, it had been transformed into the Queen’s sleeping quarters.

Ji Mo chuckled, "If it were a rainy day, sitting under the tree or beside the bed watching the rain must have a charm of its own... ahem, ambiance."

The State Preceptor and Ling Xiaolan, seated not far from the bookshelf, swung their heads around graciously at the sound.

The State Preceptor asked, "Why hasn’t Great General Feng Ge come? She has rarely returned to the capital in recent years; Her Majesty misses her greatly."

"She’s still eating," Ji Mo quirked the corner of his mouth, "Your Women’s country’s Great General truly lacks any feminine gentleness."

The State Preceptor revealed a slight, gentle smile. This intellectual and mature State Preceptor then gave Ji Mo a slight raise of her eyebrows.

Ji Mo came to a halt then took a half step back.

The State Preceptor softly called, "Come sit, Master Ji."

"I, I’ll just stand," Ji Mo responded.

Bowing slightly, he stood to one side as calmly as he could, one hand held behind his back, striving to reclaim the grace he had in the Human Domain.

Ling Xiaolan glanced curiously at the State Preceptor and Ji Mo then turned to look at Wu Wang and the Queen, a hint of longing in her eyes.

Mother, may I swing for a while?

Silly child, what if you fall and dirty your clothes? You are to join Tianyan Xuan Nu Sect for cultivation once you turn twelve. Now you must read more and practice scriptures so that you can stand out among your fellow Disciples.

"Fairy Ling," the State Preceptor said warmly, "I haven’t yet had the chance to ask, aside from delivering the elixir recipe, what else brings you to Women’s country?"

Ling Xiaolan glanced at Ji Mo then whispered, "The higher-ups said there would be a rebellion in Women’s country, and we’ve come to uphold righteousness."

"Oh?"

The State Preceptor appeared surprised, "The Human Domain is countless miles away from us—how could it know that a rebellion would arise here? Moreover, what kind of rebellion could Women’s country possibly face?"

"I don’t know the details," Ling Xiaolan pondered, "Many of our seniors are skilled in divination; perhaps they discerned an impending disturbance through their divination."

The State Preceptor’s expression became more serious, her voice hushed,

"With Fu Xi, the Human Emperor, deriving the pre-heaven Bagua and endless Cultivation Techniques from the Hetu and Luoshu, the divination arts of the Human Domain truly cannot be underestimated... Could it be, we are really about to face trouble here?

But that makes no sense; Her Majesty is diligent in governing, there’s harmony between civil and military affairs domestically, and even the borders are peaceful with the protection of Barriers."

Ling Xiaolan looked again at the man and woman laughing non-stop on the other side...

Redefined: diligent in governing.

Suddenly, Ji Mo laughed, "Bear Brother is the Young Master of the Bear Embrace clan of the Northern Wilderness; should he marry the King of the Western Wilderness Women’s country, it would indeed be a fine tale."

"Oh?"

The State Preceptor’s eyes brightened, looking at Wu Wang and the King, revealing a soft smile and sighing,

"Should it turn into a happy union, Her Majesty’s life would be complete.

But if such a marriage really does happen, won’t they have to live apart?"

"Indeed, I hadn’t considered that."

Ji Mo responded with a smile, skillfully steering the conversation away without anyone noticing.

Meanwhile, the two had floated down from the swing. The Queen whispered, "Divine Envoy, would you like to come and see my private collection?"

Wu Wang smiled, "Shall we invite Brother Ji and Fairy Ling as well?"

"Sure," the King turned his head, beckoning and calling out to them, "everyone, would you like to come over?"

Ling Xiaolan was about to step forward when suddenly a figure flew in, blocking her path—it was Ji Mo.

Ji Mo called out loudly, "Fairy Ling said she wanted to play chess with the State Preceptor, so we will play over here."

Wu Wang glared at Ji Mo, who had turned and was making signals to Ling Xiaolan with his eyes.

Ling Xiaolan huffed and settled back into the wide chair lined with cushions, a hint of indifference visible behind her veil.

"Let’s go."

The King lightly called at Wu Wang’s side, and Wu Wang sauntered off with her.

Brother Ji, his meddling was completely unnecessary.

The so-called private collection wasn’t gold or silver jewelry or undergarments; it was unexpectedly proper—a somewhat hidden secret chamber, with several wooden racks full to the brim with various treasures.

The Crystal Ball Wu Wang had given to the Queen the night before was placed in a corner of a wooden rack, underneath it a small label with the character for ’bear’ written on it.

As a prince, Wu Wang naturally wouldn’t be dazzled by treasures; he was able to name the origins and stories behind some of them and made up a few stories on the spot, causing the King of the Women’s country’s peach-blossom eyes to gleam bright.

While admiring the treasures of this land, Wu Wang did not forget his main mission: to find the rebels.

He first asked, "It seems that Women’s country hasn’t completely severed ties with the outside world."

"Of course we can’t cut off relations," the Queen said softly. "Only the State Preceptor and I know this; we have some clan members responsible for procurement outside.

Silk farming, weaving, farming, and construction; these were all learned from the Human Domain or sent to us by them."

Wu Wang then asked, "What has Women’s country given to the Human Domain?"

"We haven’t given anything."

The Queen slightly tilted her head back, her voice soft as a lark’s low song:

"In fact, it was the Immortals from the Human Domain who initially helped us, giving us written language, books, and music, respecting our choices, and never disturbing our peace.

These ancient books are clearly recorded and are also a compulsory subject before the King’s accession.

When the wars between the Human Domain and the Gods paused, many Cultivators left Human Domain to travel the Great Wilderness.

If they found members of the Human race enslaved, they would intervene to rescue them, taking those people back to the Human Domain.

I remember, when I was young, I saw a Human Domain Cultivator wandering here. He brought medicinal recipes for treating diseases, carried flags painted with the Bagua, and wore a dusty robe. After giving the recipes, he left on his own.

At that time, there was an epidemic within our borders, and it really was a huge help."

Wu Wang nodded slowly.

In truth, he had a conjecture—the problem wasn’t the Human Domain itself, but certain high-ranking officials currently responsible for making decisions in the Human Domain.

And one of the main reasons for these problems was that the successor to the Human Emperor was undetermined, leaving people’s hearts unsettled and fostering Demons.

"Has Your Majesty been to the Human Domain?"

"No, once I became King, there were so many things to do every day; I couldn’t possibly go."

She pouted a little despondently.

"And it’s all repetitive chores that could be settled after a discussion, but they insist on me listening once, asking once, looking over it once, and then giving them a written approval.

I’d rather write it on their faces."

Wu Wang nearly laughed out loud.

Their Bear Hug Clan didn’t need such formalities. The Clan Leader roamed outside riding wolves every day, camping out for a few days whenever he found a scenic spot.

After admiring the private collection and looking at the stored books, the State Preceptor brought over the mythological texts of Women’s country for Wu Wang to study.

Wu Wang read with great interest, while the Queen quietly went to the side hall, changed into a warm yellow gown, and when she returned, she naturally merged into the discussion between Wu Wang and the State Preceptor.

Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan exchanged glances and continued to ’guide their chess pieces with energy’ in the corner.

"Could it be that Fairy Ling is distracted, the game seems fraught with danger this time."

"It’s just a bit noisy."

Ling Xiaolan said calmly, her almond-shaped eyes glancing at Ji Mo before she transmitted her voice, "Have you made contact with the person seeking assistance?"

"I have," Ji Mo transmitted back, "You’ll help me, won’t you, Fairy Ling?"

Ling Xiaolan remained silent for a moment, her fingers gently sliding and placing the chess pieces one by one.

"I have my own judgment, this is a trial for both you and me, Brother Ji, don’t try to interfere with me... I will stand on the side of reason."

"Then I’m relieved."

Ji Mo pulled a hearty smile, which was met with an undeniable look of disdain from Ling Xiaolan.

"Can’t you learn from Brother Xiong?"

"Learn, what?"

"His gaze," Ling Xiaolan said softly as she looked towards Wu Wang, "His gaze is very clear, with no ill intentions, and his smile is quite natural. He has a naturally approachable vibe."

Ji Mo couldn’t hold back and covered his face with a hand, "Innate... How can I learn that?"

A slight smile passed through Ling Xiaolan’s eyes as she lowered her head and focused on the chessboard.

Ji Mo secretly raised an eyebrow. The distinguished Fairy Ling of the Human Domain’s younger generation, could it be, it seemed, maybe, should be, possibly... spring had arrived? Was Brother Xiong’s charm really that great?

Ji Mo turned his head and saw Wu Wang and the King of the Women’s country chatting merrily, but for some reason, he felt a faint, hazy glow around Brother Xiong, making him seem a bit surreal.

Brother Xiong, what kind of person was he really? Why did it always feel like I knew nothing about him?

"Fairy Ling," Ji Mo asked softly, "what do you think Brother Xiong’s temperament is?"

Ling Xiaolan was a bit puzzled and replied, "Specifically?"

"For example, your iciness, my tender concern for the fairer sex. What word do you think summarises Brother Xiong?"

"That’s a bit difficult for me," Ling Xiaolan pondered, "I don’t know."

Ji Mo leaned forward, transmitting his voice, "I don’t know either, but I have a way to let Brother Xiong drop his guard.

As the saying goes, wine emboldens the fearful, whenever I go to the brothel I always drink a little wine... ahem, that’s not important.

Fairy Ling, do you have any alcohol prepared?

We’ll secretly inform the King and the State Preceptor later, to get Brother Xiong drunk together and see if he can drop his guard to reveal his true nature in front of us.

However, you might be disappointed, Fairy Ling..."

"What am I to be disappointed about?"

Ling Xiaolan hummed lightly, yet her eyes shone with a hint of light, "I will find the wine, you send the message."

The two hit it off and split to take action, adding a little ’drinking game’ after the previously scheduled grand banquet.

But Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan had clearly underestimated Wu Wang’s tolerance for alcohol.

After dining with the officials of the Women’s country, Wu Wang, having consumed two pots of their fine wine, was unfazed, looking no different from Ji Mo and Ling Xiaolan who hadn’t touched a drop.

This caused Ji Mo to sweat a little and feel somewhat discouraged.

The coming drinking game was the real contest.

In the Queen’s chamber, under that jade tree, the King, the State Preceptor, the Great General, along with Wu Wang, Ji Mo, and Ling Xiaolan sat facing each other.

Ji Mo brought out exquisite wines from the Human Domain, the Queen brought out her treasured Immortal Brews, and Wu Wang brought out the fiery drinks from the Northern Wilderness.

"Let’s make it clear first, drinking is fine."

Wu Wang said earnestly, "If you can’t hold on anymore, go to the area we agreed upon to sleep. We all cherish our reputations, let’s not spread any stories."

All nodded in agreement, with the State Preceptor not forgetting to give Ji Mo a sly wink.

Clearly, the National Teacher had very definite targets now.

Wu Wang casually opened a jar of wine, "Drinking our Northern Wilderness wine, you have to use a big bowl! Come on!"

A surge of boldness rose!

Ji Mo took a deep breath and covertly activated the two Elixirs he had previously swallowed, wrapped in Mana, with a flicker of confidence in his eyes.

However, the style of this drinking game was gradually becoming a bit... off.

"Your Majesty," Wu Wang said to the King, "for someone like the State Preceptor, who only drinks half a glass when toasting, we usually say something in the Northern Wilderness... Are you saving it to feed the fish?"

The King of the Women’s country blinked her sparkling eyes and chided the State Preceptor, "You feeding the fish?"

The State Preceptor quickly drained her drink, looking very aggrieved.

Soon, Wu Wang launched a small workshop, the Queen quickly mastered the art of persuading to drink, and joined Wu Wang in concerted efforts.

"Brother Ji, with deep feelings, gulp in one shot! With shallow feelings, just a lick!"

"Okay, okay, gulp..."

"An excited heart, trembling hands, I pour a drink for the General, if the General won’t drink, he must think I’m ugly!"

"Your Majesty, I’ll drink, I’ll drink."

"Let’s clink glasses, spark some electricity, connect our feelings, Fairy Ling, cheers."

"Mmm~"

No one knew how long they had been drinking, nor how much they had consumed until Ji Mo collapsed and couldn’t get up, Fairy Ling forgot to lay her mat and instead lay sideways next to the table, while the State Preceptor and Feng Ge fell asleep in each other’s arms, snoring loudly.

The Queen, with flushed cheeks, whispered to Wu Wang:

"Bear, can you stay with me here for a few more days?"

"Okay," Wu Wang nodded and responded, "I was planning to say goodbye today, but a few more days wouldn’t matter."

Having said that, he stood up and nimbly hopped to one side, "How about I perform a sword dance for you?"

The Queen agreed but curled up with her knees pulled in and slowly closed her eyes.

Wu Wang was about to take out the very presentable Star Sword when, seeing the situation, he shook his head, smiling, and admired the Queen’s sleeping form.

If I didn’t have this strange disease, how much... better...

Something’s not right.

Wu Wang slightly narrowed his eyes, his figure swaying. He immediately took several large steps backward but was stopped by the roots of a huge tree, where he sat down with a thump.

Something’s wrong, there’s something wrong with the drink.

He sharply inhaled and a thick layer of Ice Armor appeared around him. He held his breath and circulated his internal energy, slowly lowering his head within the armor.

The sleeping chamber fell completely silent.

After a while, the prostrate Ji Mo slowly got up, made a deep bow toward Wu Wang enclosed in the Ice Armor, his eyes filled with regret.

Then, Ji Mo flicked two Elixirs into the mouths of Ling Xiaolan and Feng Ge, who gradually opened their eyes.

CLANG!

Ling Xiaolan’s expression was cold as she held a Longsword, the tip pointed at Ji Mo.

"Explain."

"Fairy Ling, I couldn’t fool Bear Brother without resorting to this, as he’s smarter than both you and me. I could only adopt this last resort! As for the reasons here, please listen to me later, Fairy Ling. If I meant you harm, I wouldn’t have given you the antidote!"

A bitter smile escaped Ji Mo’s lips as another figure appeared beside him, Feng Ge, grasping a Spear.

Ling Xiaolan immediately understood the cause and effect, and spoke indifferently, "Why do you think he would not help you?"

"I trust Bear Brother, but he is the Young Master of the Northern Wilderness Large Family Clan," Ji Mo said. "When considering problems, he is likely to take the King’s perspective."

Ling Xiaolan looked down at herself, her body trembling slightly, her breathing a bit hurried, but she tried hard to suppress the irregularities of her Spiritual mind.

"Is this mission truly righteous?"

"It is indeed righteous. I, Ji Mo, give you my Ji Family’s name as my guarantee.

General Feng Ge, don’t delay any longer. Once Fairy Ling knows the secrets here, she will definitely help us."

Feng Ge acknowledged, thrust the Spear into the ground, turned around, and walked over to the King of Women’s country. She leaned down, lifted the King, and carefully placed her on the bed, covered her with a thin blanket, and tucked in the corners.

Feng Ge spun around and leaped into the canopy of the jade tree, moving to the roof of an adjacent palace, her gaze fixed on the peaceful capital before her.

...

「Half a day ago, after the noon banquet, in the great hall where only she and Ji Mo remained.」

’General Feng Ge, it was you who called for me and Fairy Ling to come here, stating in your letter that everything was ready, and we cannot afford to wait too long here.

I have encountered some trouble here and must rush back to the Human Domain to fix it soon, or else my Ji Family will face undeserved disgrace.’

’Why didn’t the Human Domain send an Immortal?’

’Fairy Ling and I are sufficient; though we lack an Immortal, we possess an Immortal Treasure.’

’How can I believe this?’

’You must believe,’ Ji Mo said calmly, ’we are the only ones you can rely on. I carry a Life Charm, which allows me to call upon my grandmother’s avatar in life-threatening situations.’

’Then, let’s do it tonight.’

Let’s do it tonight.

Let’s do it tonight!

Bring an end to this Barriered land that should not exist!

End this twisted Women’s country!

Feng Ge breathed out softly, closed her eyes, her eyebrows smoothing out then immediately furrowing again. The night wind blew through her Battle Armor and stirred her tied-up hair.

Opening her eyes, her phoenix eyes showed only resolve. She flipped her hand and tossed a shuttle into the air, which exploded in a blaze of fire.

"Forbidden Army, heed my command! Seal off the palace immediately! Activate the great formation! Tonight, we rise!"

Below the sleeping chamber, nestled under the tree in his Ice Armor, Wu Wang’s eyes quietly opened a sliver...