Chapter 182 — The Waters of the Southern Wilds Run Deep
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 2 of 4
Shen Mu was plainly nothing but a cast-off from the Wasteland -- how had he come to have ties with Yuyuan Chuyu? "Sister Chuyu, what of the Corpse Immortal Cult?
" Shen Mu asked. "I have already put down the Corpse Immortal Cult, but some remnants escaped and fled to the Southern Wilds. " Yuyuan Chuyu led them up onto the city wall.
"The Southern Wilds now gather rebels of every stripe, along with every sect that has risen in revolt -- a tangle of powers.
Every city along the river has garrisoned troops and stands on strict defense.
In a few days we shall attack into the Southern Wilds; but these waters run too deep, and the situation is not yet clear.
" "The waters run too deep? " They were all startled. Yuyuan Chuyu smiled. "In times like these, do you know who is loyal and who is treacherous?
Take me, for instance -- I am the princess of a fallen kingdom, Yuyuan.
How do you know I will not turn rebel the next moment? " Cold sweat broke out on the brows of Shen Wanyun and the others; they greatly feared that this dashing woman general might turn on them and kill them the next instant, and declare rebellion. Yuyuan Chuyu said calmly, "The court is bound too tightly to the age that came before.
The Imperial Preceptor of Jingping wishes to build a wholly new age upon that foundation, but the forces he can use are, more often than not, the forces of the old age. His new age cannot wholly shake off the influence of the old, so who knows which sect, which powerful minister, will be the next to turn traitor?
" The monk Yun Que quavered, "But the Vice Prefect will not turn traitor, will she? " Yuyuan Chuyu looked at him, and a smile came over her face that made the blood run cold. Softly she said, "Guess. Guess right, and you may live. " Yun Que's face turned ashen; he was frightened out of his wits.
A great regional official like Yuyuan Chuyu had cultivated a formidable presence.
Though she was a woman, a single chill in her expression could reduce a man to collapse. Yuyuan Chuyu gave a light laugh, then summoned a general and gave him an order.
The general at once deployed troops, and a force of more than a thousand men came.
Yuyuan Chuyu descended the city tower and stepped out onto the river's surface; behind her, more than a thousand officers and men stepped out as well, treading the river's face, walking toward the far bank. Shen Mu followed her, his steps falling on the river's surface, vital essence bursting from the soles of his feet to hold him steady.
He smiled. "Sister, do not frighten him.
" Shen Wanyun and the others hurried to follow, each urging on his vital essence so as not to sink into the water. They could run across water, but to walk unhurriedly upon it was somewhat taxing; besides controlling the water, it required deep and powerful cultivation of vital essence.
Yuyuan Chuyu said with interest, "Little brother does not think I will rebel against the court? " Shen Mu shook his head.
"Because this rebellion is itself a trap the Imperial Preceptor of Jingping set to purge the court and the realm.
Sister is a clever woman, and sees it clearly. Had you been a little more foolish, you would have rebelled long ago, and would not have waited until today.
" Yuyuan Chuyu laughed.
"What you say is both right and wrong. The reason I do not rebel is not simply that I am clever enough. There was no small number who came to urge me to rebel, all full of confidence, certain they could make me rise.