Upon leaving Phoenix Mansion, Jeff's aide remarked, "This Aurelian Dragon isn't all that great. Why would Phoenix Vane take a liking to him?"
Another subordinate general chimed in, "That's right, he's just a lecherous man. Judging from Lynette Quill's appearance, he's already got her. The Jade Maiden Swordsman of the capital is nothing special."
A rather handsome military officer said lecherously, "Perhaps it's because Aurelian Dragon's thing is particularly powerful!" The crowd burst into laughter.
Jeff turned and looked at the silent strategist-like general.
"Joe, what are your thoughts now?"
Qiao pondered for a moment and said, "My lord, I feel there's something strange about this place. I can't see through this man! He seems like a shallow and lecherous fellow, but he might be hiding his true abilities. General Fei Feng and Jade Maiden Swordsman are both formidable figures. If he were truly such a lecherous man, how could they have taken a liking to him?"
Seeing that the other generals were about to say something, Qiao tapped his palm lightly with his fan and looked ahead.
"A beautiful war goddess, who in the country has such a reputation? If she weren't a woman of exceptional talent and beauty, with a strong will, she would have become that man's plaything long ago when she was in the capital."
The mere mention of that man sent a chill down everyone's spine, and a moment of silence fell over them.
Yes, with that man's power, talent, and good looks, he was almost invincible in front of women. Since Joe brought up this example, the laughing and joking crowd couldn't help but begin to examine the flaws in their thinking.
Jeff nodded, pondering the words of his most trusted subordinate. He knew this strategist possessed the ability to read minds, and now that he had said so, he had to be wary of this potential rival, even if he couldn't yet discern the man's formidable abilities.
"Never mind, let's report this matter to the Left Chancellor first and see what his instructions are."
As he spoke, Jeff whipped his horse and galloped off. The officers spurred their horses on and followed, racing towards the Left Chancellor's residence.
The massive Left Prime Minister's Palace is located in the heart of Esnia, next to the most famous temple complex in the Fast Empire, the most dazzling of which is the Temple of the God of War. The pure gold statue of the God of War atop its majestic dome shines brilliantly in the sunlight, visible from afar, making this building almost a symbol of Esnia.
Through the aggressive military expansion of the previous emperors of Fast, the empire became the dominant power on the continent, possessing wealth that other nations envied. This also created a large number of extremely wealthy clergy. They even wielded considerable political influence, something the emperors who had initially strongly supported the temple had never anticipated.
The situation changed under the grandfather of the current Emperor of Fast, Andre III, who sought to improve relations with other nations while simultaneously working to diminish the temple's influence domestically. Although he and his successors were mysteriously murdered for jeopardizing the interests of powerful figures, these events remain shrouded in mystery, becoming unsolved cases in court history and taboo topics among the public.
However, this policy continued under Andre III, consolidating and developing the Fast Empire's position on the continent, while significantly diminishing the Temple's influence. Nevertheless, even a weakened giant is still formidable, and the Temple retains considerable power within Fast. This is evident from the fact that the majority of the Fast Empire's mages are graduates of the Temple's academy of priests.
In the rear hall of the Left Prime Minister's residence, the tall and stout Left Prime Minister Gilmans, after listening to Jeff's report, pushed away the beautiful woman he had been holding in his arms, stood up, and paced back and forth in the hall a few times.
After a long pause, he said to Jeff, "Do you know? His Majesty intends to appoint Aurelian Dragon as the Eastern Governor of the Imperial Capital."
Jeff was taken aback and exclaimed, "What?"
It should be noted that the Eastern Governor of the Imperial Capital is the head of the four city guard governors, holding the most powerful military position besides the commander of the Fast Empire's legion, and is of paramount importance because he is responsible for the security of the Imperial Capital.
Gilmans said with distress, "Now, of the four governors in the capital, apart from you, the Southern Governor and the Northern Governor are both people of the Third Prince. I originally wanted to get my hands on the Eastern Governor, who was finally vacated. Alas!"
Jeff said hesitantly, "My lord, isn't a title required to serve as one of the four commanders? He's just a minor centurion who has only recently been promoted. How can he possibly be qualified?"
"That's not a problem, as long as His Majesty grants him a title."
"But... will the ministers agree?"
"The ministers only listen to His Majesty; they're all opportunists!"
"Sir, don't forget that man; he's also a powerful figure who wants to get this position!"
"But His Majesty's intentions are very firm. He even spoke with me about it this morning." Gilmans paused and looked at Jeff. "It is said that Phoenix Vane sent an urgent report to the palace. You know His Majesty is particularly fond of Phoenix Vane."
"It seems Phoenix Vane is really putting a lot of effort into the Aurelian Dragon!" Jeff said with a hint of sourness.
"Oh! Our West Governor also likes Phoenix Vane!" the alluring woman said seductively, then looked at Gilmans with her beautiful eyes and said, "My lord, doesn't this Aurelian Dragon like women a lot? Why don't we play to his tastes and win him over?"
Gilmans said coldly, "You think I haven't thought of this method? But where am I supposed to find a woman better than Lynette Quill on a short time?"
"My lord, you don't understand. Men are always fickle. They get tired of what they have at home and always want to try something new." She then gave Jeff a suggestive glance and drew out her words, "Besides…"
Gilmans urged, "My dear Third Sister, tell us quickly, don't keep us in suspense."
Third Sister chuckled and said, "Have you forgotten Yan'er?"
"She…" Gilmans hesitated for a moment, "You just finished training her, isn't that a bit too hasty?"
Third Sister rolled her eyes at him and said, "Sir, I think you're just reluctant to give away such a beautiful and charming treasure!"
Jeff understood, his eyes lighting up as he said, "You mean Xueyan? She's definitely a match for Lynette Quill."
Third Sister continued, "My lord, you can't catch a wolf without risking your cub! Are we afraid of not having beautiful women? If we grab Aurelian Dragon, we can bring Phoenix Vane and the others over, and then we can be on par with the Third Prince."
Jeff also said, "That's right. Among the six legions of the Empire, the two most famous legions are the Phoenix Legion and the Aeron Legion. Aeron Skyrend is the Crown Prince's close ally. If we have the support of Phoenix Vane, we won't be afraid of being compared to the Third Prince in the military."
"I'm a little worried that if things go wrong, it might anger Phoenix Vane, since this is a very important matter!"
Gilmans paced back and forth, deep in thought and unable to make a decision.
"My lord, please rest assured. According to reliable sources, Phoenix Vane is now completely obedient to Aurelian Dragon. I have people in the army in the Great Lakes, and he has already found out everything."
Jeff glanced at Gongsun San Niang, who was speaking, and thought to himself, "What a formidable woman. With her by this guy's side, I have to be careful."
Gilmans finally made up his mind and said, "Alright! After Aurelian Dragon becomes the Governor of the East, we'll host a banquet for him, and then it'll be up to Xueyan!"
San Niang glanced at him and said, "My lord, don't you believe in my abilities? I won't boast about anything else, but when it comes to seducing men, Xueyan is definitely the best."
Jeff flattered, "The disciples trained by the Enchanting Third Sister of the Gongsun family will surely be able to bewitch men. Hehe, Third Sister, when will you spare some time to teach my two beloved concubines? If they are even a tenth as good as you, I'll be overjoyed."
"You flatter me, Your Excellency. How could I possibly possess such skill?"
Gongsun Sanniang glanced at Gilmans with her alluring eyes and said in a double entendre.
"Don't I know your abilities?" Gilmans laughed and put his arm around Third Sister's slender waist, whispering in her ear, "My dear Third Sister, how should I thank you after this is done?"
"My lord, you must remember your words!" Third Sister winked seductively, pressing her voluptuous body against him, slowly caressing him, skillfully guiding the man's desire. That alluring body language even made Jeff, standing beside her, feel his heart race, and Gilmans' breathing quicken.
Jeff, sensing the change in expression, knew it was time to leave. He stood up, hurriedly bid farewell to Gilmans, and strode out.
Gilmans paid no attention to his actions; his mind was completely captivated by San Niang's hot and sensual body. He felt as if the woman in his arms was a ball of fire, burning him with unbearable heat. His hands roamed over her voluptuous body, his fat hands grasping and kneading San Niang's plump pink buttocks. His penis was already painfully hard.
With a swift movement, Third Sister pushed Gilmans onto the armchair. Gilmans' crotch bulged, and he cried out urgently, "Come quickly, come quickly!"
Third Sister looked at him seductively, her jade-like fingers flying as she unzipped his pants and pulled out his hard penis. Like man, Gilmans' penis was long and thick, and it was throbbing.
San Niang used her slender fingers to encircle the base of the penis and skillfully began to stroke it up and down, causing Gilmans to groan with pleasure. He closed his eyes, unbuttoned San Niang's clothes with both hands, and grabbed her plump breasts, playing with them incessantly.
Third Sister gently twisted her delicate body and said in a leisurely voice, "My lord, when will you send someone to deal with my eldest sister? I can't wait any longer."
Gilmans grabbed her brown nipple and pulled it gently, replying, "As soon as my men arrive, we'll get to work!"
Third Sister said, "My eldest sister is not someone that ordinary people can deal with. The person you've invited shouldn't be too incompetent."
Gilmans moved his hand to her crotch, reaching inside to touch the warm, wet flesh, and said, "Of course, who in the world doesn't know that Madam Sorenblade of the Sword Dance family is a master swordsman? I paid a great price to persuade the people of Wenjianzhai to join me."
Third Sister was overjoyed. She knew that besides the Heavenly Sword Garden, the Sword Inquiry Hall had the most terrifying swordsmanship in the world. A cold smile appeared on her lips as she murmured, "My dearest eldest sister, let's see what you do this time?"
Gilmans could no longer contain his lust. He ripped off San Niang's pants, grabbed her fair buttocks, and placed them on his penis, saying, "Quick, let me in!"
Hearing the good news, Third Sister was overjoyed. She parted her legs and opened her vaginal opening, swallowing his penis section by section. As soon as Gilmans' penis entered her vagina, it was tightly gripped by the tender flesh, which twisted and writhed incessantly, making him moan with pleasure.
Third Sister was a woman skilled in the art of seduction. She wrapped her arms around his neck and moved up and down, her fleshy body trembling slightly, her breasts creating alluring waves. The two labia of her honeyed orifice gripped and scraped against his penis, while the inside of her orifice intensified its sucking, causing his glans to throb wildly and his penis to become erect.
Even though Gilmans was a seasoned veteran of hand-to-hand combat, how could he withstand the excessive lust and the overwhelming power of the Third Sister's ecstasy? After only two hundred thrusts, his body trembled, and he was about to ejaculate. The Third Sister felt the penis inside her vagina swell and become incredibly hot. She suddenly sat down, opened her flower core, and took the pulsating glans into her mouth, sucking it forcefully.
Gilmanston felt a tingling sensation all over his body, his pores opening wide. He reached out and grabbed San Niang's bouncing breasts. With a thrust of his hips, his hot semen rushed into San Niang's flower core, scalding her and making her feel incredibly beautiful.
With the still-ejaculating penis inside her vagina, the labia of her vulva gripping its base, San Niang began massaging Gilmans's body. Every touch of her delicate hands brought him immense pleasure. San Niang was indeed a master of seduction; after her kneading, Gilmans's penis hardened again, even thicker and longer than before.
Gilmans stood up, picked up Third Sister and placed her on the table, and the two began another intense lovemaking session.
※ ※ ※
The Dragon Heart Palace, with its colossal roof, is the council hall of the Dragon Clan. A long white jade table sits in the vast hall, surrounded by a circle of people. Each of them is tall and imposing, exuding an extraordinary aura, and the gleam in their eyes further testifies to their power.
At the head of the table stood a solemn-looking old man with snow-white hair and beard, who spoke slowly but firmly: "The Dragon Heart Sutra has been opened." A murmur rippled through the crowd. The white-robed old man on the right tapped the table with his jade cane, and the crowd gradually quieted down.
A middle-aged man asked, "Since the elder was able to discover the Dragon Heart Sutra, why didn't you send someone to retrieve it sooner?" Several people nearby nodded in agreement.
The old man in white gave a wry smile. "It's not that simple. Only after the restrictions on the Heart Sutra are lifted can we sense it."
The elder at the head said worriedly, "Now that the contents of the Heart Sutra have been revealed, it will bring great disaster to the Dragon Clan, and all the secrets of our clan will be lost."
"Elder, tell me how to sense it, I'll go and retrieve the Heart Sutra!" an impatient clansman hurriedly called out. Several younger clansmen also expressed their willingness to take on the task.
The Grand Elder merely shook his head slightly, offering no reply. The old man in the purple yew beside him chuckled and said, "Only those who have cultivated 'Dragon God's Sense' to the ninth level can sense it." Upon hearing this, everyone felt greatly discouraged. Aside from the members of the Elder Council, very few in the Dragon Clan could cultivate "Dragon God's Sense" to the ninth level. And according to the clan rules established over a thousand years, members of the Elder Council were forbidden from leaving the Giant Peak.
A soft laugh came from the corner, and everyone tensed up, their eyes turning to the person who had spoken. The council members were tall and imposing, but not everyone was like that; the one laughing was an exception. She was also the only woman in the entire council hall. She was petite and delicate, with exquisitely beautiful features, but the glint in her crescent-shaped eyes told her she wasn't as docile as she appeared.
The elder looked at her, who was laughing happily, and said kindly, "Little Ling'er, what's so funny?"
A mischievous glint flashed in Xiao Ling'er's eyes as she said, "Grandpa, you're not lying to Xiao Ling'er, are you? If that's true, then Xiao Ling'er can go down the mountain."
The elder shook his head. "No, Grandfather won't let you go down the mountain. The people down there are wicked!"
The old man in the yew tree chimed in, "Little Ling'er, how could your third grandfather bear to let you leave!"
A middle-aged man nodded and said, "Lyra Draconis, you're too young, let someone else go!"
Lyra Draconis stared at the Elder with her seemingly piercing eyes, making him uneasy. Suddenly, a sly laugh rang out, "I've decided, I'll be going down the mountain immediately. You'll all have good news from me!" With that, Lyra Draconis leaped out of the hall, her last words already drifting far away.
The Grand Elder secretly breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly said, "The meeting is adjourned!"
Everyone left the council hall. Only six elders and the middle-aged man remained; they were members of the elders' council. The middle-aged man said worriedly, "Shouldn't we send a few more people down to find the Heart Sutra? Will that girl be alright?"
The Grand Elder, the white-robed elder, and the purple-robed elder exchanged glances and burst into laughter. Only then did they feel relieved.
The old man in the yew waved his hand and said with a smile, "There's no need to worry about the Dragon Heart Sutra. It only records the Heart Clan's Mind Control Technique and our clan's Demon Extermination Technique. These skills require supreme wisdom and aptitude to cultivate. It is said that since the Hundred Clans War, no one has been able to master it."
The Grand Elder laughed and said, "That girl has caused us all a lot of trouble. It's time to let the people below taste her power. If we hadn't said that, she really wouldn't have fallen for it and would have left the Giant Peak! Now we can finally have some peace and quiet!" After saying that, he patted his chest with a childlike heart.
The old man in white added humorously, "Let us pray for the poor people!", which made everyone burst into laughter.
Indeed, Lyra Draconis's mischievousness often left them both amused and exasperated; everyone called her the little devil of the Great Head. But as the daughter of the previous chieftain and the future chieftain, she was also beautiful, intelligent, and sweet, making it impossible for anyone to be angry with her. Fortunately, the three of them were able to come up with such a clever plan to trick Lyra Draconis into going down the mountain.
The middle-aged dragonman chuckled to himself. Thinking about it, it made sense. With Lyra Draconis's skills, there were few dragons who could compare. He figured there wouldn't be many below her either. Furthermore, her mother was from the extremely mysterious Heart Clan of the continent, giving her half-Heart Clan blood and the Heart Clan's special ability, "Mind Communication," which was enough to make her virtually invincible.
"Grandpa is really something, pulling such a lame trick! Did he think I didn't know? Ha!" Lyra Draconis hummed a little tune as she returned to her room. Actually, she had wanted to go down the mountain to take a look for a while, because most of the people on the mountain were old-fashioned and serious, which made the playful and active Lyra Draconis very uncomfortable. So even though she saw through the elders' trick, she went along with it.
Lyra Draconis quickly packed her things in the room, then happily left the giant summit, which she had grown tired of, and headed down the mountain.
※ ※ ※
On the same day, the wedding delegation from Wu'an also bid farewell to the King of Wu'an and embarked on their journey to Fast.
Wu Anguo attached great importance to this mission. The king and the seventh princess, who actually held power, appeared together at the Grand Parade Ground to preside over the ceremony for the wedding delegation. The atmosphere was solemn and lively.
The commander of this massive delegation, consisting of 500 cavalrymen, 100 retainers, and 68 vehicles of various types, was Zhu Dejun, who had just returned from a major defeat in the Great Lakes region. Although such a combination made some veteran generals and officials in the Wu'an court shake their heads, they could only sigh in secret due to the circumstances.
The wedding delegation stopped less than thirty miles from Poissa.
Before anyone could understand what was going on, and they were discussing and speculating amongst themselves, several mysterious figures appeared beside Zhu Dejun in a heavily guarded, simply decorated, enclosed carriage.
Soon, this four-horse carriage with a cedar wood carriage blended into the crowd of carriages.
After staying for less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Zhu Dejun ordered them to continue advancing.