A journey through ancient times, a journey of exquisite divine skills

Chapter 134 Dissuasion

In a slightly somber atmosphere inside the restaurant, Da Ya and the others sat closely around Hong Pijing.

Their eyes were complex and ever-changing, a mixture of worry and expectation, as if they were facing an unprecedented and momentous decision.

Hong Pijing's voice, like a clear mountain spring, was steady and powerful, penetrating the surrounding noise and flowing slowly into the hearts of each of them.

He recounted, word by word, that ancient and strict rule—the martial world and the imperial court were like two parallel lines that would never intersect, with clear boundaries and no interference between them.

Once martial arts practitioners arbitrarily get involved in national conflicts, it will not only disrupt the long-standing delicate balance.

It could also trigger more complex and unpredictable chain reactions.

It even dragged the entire martial arts world into an endless quagmire of war, from which there is no hope of redemption.

"Little Yue, this is a war between nations, a game of power, a chessboard for emperors and generals."

Hong Pijing's words carried a hint of helplessness that was hard to conceal.

Yet it also reveals a deep reverence for those inviolable rules.

He was well aware of the invisible line between the martial arts world and the imperial court.

It is a boundary drawn with blood and tears by countless predecessors, a chasm that no generation of martial arts practitioners can easily cross.

Xiaoyue frowned upon hearing this, her eyes flashing with a mixture of unease and determination.

She was thinking of the five spirit stars, especially the four sisters who had been by her side for the past six months.

They were in the midst of war, their fates unknown, how could she not be extremely anxious?

She couldn't help but speak again, her voice carrying a hint of pleading and determination.

"Then, brother, is there really no way to go and support Sister Qin and the others?"

Are we just supposed to stand here and do nothing but watch them fight on the battlefield?

Hong Pijing shook his head, his gaze deep and complex.

He said slowly, "Little Yue, it depends on how your Spirit King decides to proceed."

A nation's war concerns the fate of the entire country, not something that can be controlled by personal emotions.

We, the people of the martial arts world, value clear distinctions between gratitude and resentment, and seek revenge with swift and decisive action.

But when faced with matters of national importance, the power of an individual is always too insignificant, like an ant trying to shake a tree—a futile effort.

At this moment, Xu Jingsong, seemingly ordinary but with sharp eyes, interjected.

His voice was gentle yet firm, carrying an undeniable power.

“Young lady, you don’t need to worry too much. The old general of Ling Kingdom is a veteran of many battles, with a distinguished record and a far-reaching reputation.”

He will do everything in his power to defend Jiaxian County.

However, I also heard that Gu Xuanchao mobilized at least 20,000 troops this time, a strong and well-equipped force.

In comparison, the old general's five thousand elite troops were indeed at a disadvantage, and the situation was far from optimistic.

Upon hearing this, a resolute and determined glint flashed in Xiaoyue's eyes.

She suddenly stood up, clenching her fists tightly, as if trying to transform her inner anxiety and unease into boundless strength.

She said firmly, "No, brother. You can't participate in the wars between countries, but we can."

Since we don't belong to any sect, does that mean we're not part of the martial arts world?

"So we're free to help those who need us?"

Seeing this, Daya quickly grabbed Xiaoyue's sleeve, her eyes filled with worry and reluctance.

She said in a trembling voice, "Xiaoyue, you can't go."

You've only used the forbidden technique for a short time, and your body hasn't fully recovered yet.

How could you take such a risk? We know that Sister Qin and the others might be in trouble, but your health is just as important.

You can't neglect yourself for the sake of others.

Xiaoyue turned to look at Daya, her eyes filled with both determination and gratitude.

She said slowly, "Sister Daya, I know you care about me."

But are we just going to sit idly by and do nothing?

Do you want to watch the people of Gu Xuanchao run rampant and kill the people of our Ling Kingdom?

Think of the people of our Su Family Village, think of those black-clad figures from the shadows of the Qin Kingdom, how they slaughtered us.

Furthermore, Shanzi and his group are currently fighting a bloody battle on the border between Ling and Qin, protecting the people of Ling.

How can we stand idly by and do nothing?

There was also Sister Yang, who followed King Ling to fight against the Qin army.

On the other hand, how can we not go and support Gu Xuanchao?

As she spoke, Xiaoyue's eyes reddened slightly, but her gaze remained exceptionally firm.

She knew that she was just a small figure among ordinary people.

But the thought of the tragic deaths of everyone in Sujia Village and her sense of justice and responsibility compelled her to not stand idly by.

Hong Pijing looked at Xiaoyue, a hint of admiration and worry flashing in his eyes.

He spoke slowly, trying to persuade Xiaoyue again: "Xiaoyue, I understand how you feel."

But you must understand that the boundary between the martial arts world and the imperial court is not merely for the purpose of maintaining their respective order.

It is also to protect the safety of every member of the martial arts world.

Once a nation is embroiled in war, an individual's life and death are no longer in their own hands.

Moreover, once your identity is exposed, it could bring utter destruction to your family, friends, and even the entire Su Family Village.

Xiaoyue fell silent for a moment after hearing this, seemingly weighing the pros and cons and contemplating the future.

But soon, she raised her head again, her eyes gleaming with an undeniable light.

"Brother, I understand your concerns."

But I know what I'm doing, and if I don't stand up now, I'll definitely regret it in the future.

I cannot allow my conscience to be tormented, nor can I allow innocent people to be harmed because of my choice.

So no matter the outcome, I'm going to give it a try.

Seeing that Xiaoyue was determined, Daya knew that further persuasion would be useless, so she could only sigh silently.

Then he held Xiaoyue's hand tightly, his eyes filled with determination.

"Xiaoyue, since you've made up your mind, I'll go with you."

But you must promise me that if we can't win on the battlefield, we'd rather retreat.

You are also forbidden from using that forbidden technique again; your life is more important than anything else.

Upon hearing this, Xiaoyue felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

She nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with gratitude and determination.

"Sister Daya, don't worry. I won't use that forbidden technique again."

I will retreat if I feel I can't win. We will definitely return safely.

Mei Yanyan stood to the side, her brows furrowed, clearly more worried than Hong Pijing.

Born into a prestigious family, she lived a life of luxury from a young age. Although she had heard of the hardships of the world, she had never experienced them firsthand.

Now, she witnesses firsthand how countries are willing to wage war for their own interests.

Her heart was deeply pained by the fact that innocent people were displaced.

"Da Ya, Xiao Yue, are you really going to help?"

Could those emperors, high above all others, treat their people so cruelly for their own selfish desires?

What can we do?

Mei Yanyan's words were filled with incomprehension and indignation; her eyes questioned and sought answers.

Upon hearing this, Da Ya gently patted Mei Yanyan's shoulder, her tone firm yet tender.

"Yan Yan, this world is full of injustice and suffering."

But as long as we have love and responsibility in our hearts, we can do our part to change all of this.

Although we are just women, we can still protect this land and safeguard those innocent lives in our own way.

Don't worry, we will be careful and return safely.

At this moment, three little girls, Shui'er, Xiao He, and Yuan'er, came over, their eyes slightly red, clearly not wanting Daya and Xiaoyue to leave.

"Sister Daya, Sister Xiaoyue, could you please not go?"

We finally got together, why do we have to separate again?

Shui'er's voice was choked with sobs as she held Daya's hand tightly, as if that would keep them with her.

Xiao He chimed in, "Yeah, you've only been back for a few days, why are you leaving again?"

Your uncles and aunts will definitely be angry when they find out; they've always been very worried about you.

Since you left more than six months ago, everyone has been talking about you from time to time.

Yuan'er looked at Daya with anticipation, hoping she would change her mind.

Daya said to Shui'er, Xiaohe, and Yuan'er, "After we leave, you must take good care of everyone in the village."

Don't worry about us, we'll come back to you once we've completed our support mission.

Then we'll all go back to Sujia Village together and start our lives anew.

The three little girls' eyes lit up when they heard what Daya said.

Since the misfortune befell Sujia Village, these thirty-odd women have been wandering outside for more than two years, almost three.

"Big Sister Daya, you must come back safely. We will protect everyone. You must come back."

Looking at her three adorable little sisters, Daya felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

She gently stroked their heads and comforted them, saying, "Shui'er, Xiaohe, Yuan'er, you are the future hope of our Sujia Village."

After we leave, you must learn to be strong and protect the people in the village, understand?

Hearing Daya's promise, the three girls' eyes lit up immediately.

Daya's words seemed to bring them hope, giving them a glimpse of the possibility of returning home.