Chapter 105: The Second Brocade Box

Returning to the villa, Xiang Nan headed straight upstairs to his room.

Yuan Ao’s mysterious behavior had piqued his curiosity. Throughout the journey back, he had been racking his brain over what could be inside the box. Jewelry? Antiques? Surely it wasn't that cliché. Or perhaps some rare, precious treasure, like a sixth-tier spirit orb? If so, why insist that he open it only when he was alone? Wouldn’t opening it in public be more impressive?

This General of the Nation hadn’t come to offer his gratitude until Xu Qingshan’s birthday banquet, and he had even gifted a sixth-tier spirit orb in public—wasn’t that just a way to show off? If the brocade box contained something that would make the General even more smug, he certainly would have made Xiang Nan open it in front of everyone.

Could it be… a thank-you note? Was he acting mysterious because he was afraid it would be too mushy to read in public? That way, he would appear honorable for giving two gifts, yet avoid the cost of a second one, all while playing the part of a sincere, warm-hearted gentleman? Surely the General wasn't that repulsive!

Filled with questions, Xiang Nan tore open the second brocade box the moment he entered his room.

Then, he was stunned. The General was even more repulsive than he had imagined. Inside the exquisitely carved box, there was indeed just a piece of paper! It wasn't a thank-you note, but a single sentence: *“You cannot command a primordial artifact; it will only bring disaster upon you. I, Yuan Ao, am willing to shoulder this burden for you, and I will ensure such a treasure does not lose its luster.”*

"Screw you!" Xiang Nan tore the paper to shreds and slammed it onto the floor.

"So that’s why you were so generous with the spirit-skill-imbued sixth-tier orb! You’ve had your eyes on my Taiji Diagram all along!"

"And 'shouldering the burden for me'? Have you no shame? Do I need to thank you for that too? You hypocritical piece of trash!"

"No wonder you insisted I wait until I was alone to open it—you were feeling guilty!"

"What 'national idol' and 'General of the Nation'? You’re nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing! You put on quite a show in public!"

After calming down, Xiang Nan began to worry. "Yuan Ao is a top-tier sixth-tier transcendent on a global scale. If he drops the mask and uses force, I’m in real trouble."

"Given the current disparity in our strength, it’s best to play dumb. He hasn't seen the Taiji Diagram with his own eyes, so I’ll just deny everything to the death!"

"But I can't hide it forever. Ultimately, it’s because my own cultivation is too pathetic; otherwise, I wouldn't fear him at all. Especially since I actually possess the artifact!"

"No, I have to cultivate quickly. I need to absorb as much spiritual energy as possible to drive the artifact!"

After some thought, Xiang Nan called Meng Qingwan. "Qingwan, where are you? Time is money, we can't waste another second. Come back and practice dual cultivation with me. Same place, don't be late."

After hanging up, Xiang Nan rushed toward the mountain behind the villa complex. Spiritual energy? He had the demonic clan’s cultivation artifact, the *Heart-Clearing Mantra*, and the energy in his brow had grown significantly of late. Though his *dantian* sea of energy hadn't opened yet, he had a premonition—it was close. Perhaps even today! Once it opened, he would absorb spiritual energy with everything he had.

Only now did Xiang Nan truly feel the threat from the powerful, and he became thirsty for strength. Upon reaching the mountain and finding his usual large rock, he didn't hesitate. He focused his mind and began to practice the *Heart-Clearing Mantra*.

As he cultivated, the surrounding spiritual energy trickled into his body. After completing a minor cycle, it settled in his brow. Feeling the increase in energy, he began to attempt breaking through to his *dantian* sea of energy on his own. He used the method Meng Qingwan had taught him, using the energy from his brow to probe and strike at his *dantian* repeatedly. However, while the energy was pure, it lacked the necessary volume; it always felt like something was missing.

A moment later, Meng Qingwan arrived in a hurry. "Xiao Nan, why the sudden urgency? I haven't even finished my meal." Having grown familiar with Xiang Nan, she was very relaxed around him.

"Just save your appetite. Once I open my *dantian* sea of energy, I'll treat you to a feast." Xiang Nan stood up and pulled her to sit beside him, his face full of eagerness. "Come on, let’s start. I can't wait anymore."

"The *dantian* sea doesn't just open on command. If I wait for your feast, I'll starve to death! Besides, haste makes waste. It took me a month, and my master said I was a natural talent. You’ve only been at this for a few days!"

"It’ll be today. I have a feeling—I can do it."

"Impossible. If you can open your *dantian* sea within three days, I’ll be the one treating you to that feast!" Meng Qingwan thought his confidence was absurd.

Xiang Nan chuckled. "It’s a deal. You’re definitely paying for that feast!"

The two sat cross-legged, facing each other, and entered a meditative state.

...

At the Longyuan Military Headquarters, Leng Ruoshuang frowned deeply. She had been waiting in Yuan Ao’s lounge for two hours. Finally, the door opened, and Yuan Ao walked in, looking refreshed.

"Xiao Shuang, you’re here."

With a simple greeting, Yuan Ao sat on the sofa, seemingly in high spirits.

"General, why did you do it?" Leng Ruoshuang’s tone was full of accusation. It was the first time she had spoken to the General she admired in such a way.

Yuan Ao’s expression shifted slightly, and he looked at her with complex eyes. "You found out so quickly? You don’t agree with my approach?"

"Those reporters—you were the one who brought them there, weren't you? I don’t understand why you did it. He’s just a student."

"It’s precisely because he lacks strength that I had to do it. I am protecting him. Now that everyone knows he is a friend of Yuan Ao, the underground forces won't dare to touch him. Why can’t you understand that?" Impatience flickered across Yuan Ao’s face.

"Are you sure they won't touch him? By doing this, aren't you afraid that hostile forces lurking in the shadows, both at home and abroad, will turn him into a target?" Leng Ruoshuang pressed on.

"So what? Isn't that perfect? We can wipe those hostile forces out in one fell swoop! Hasn't he joined the Longyuan Military? Since he is one of us, he should have the resolve to sacrifice himself for the sake of the Nine Provinces and the safety of the people!" Yuan Ao stood up abruptly, his expression displeased.

Seeing Yuan Ao’s cold persistence, Leng Ruoshuang felt a chill, but she softened her tone. "General, I know you do this for the Nine Provinces and the people. But we cannot use morality to coerce others. Unless Xiang Nan volunteers, we cannot throw him into the line of fire without his knowledge!"

"Since you know I do this for the Nine Provinces, you shouldn't question me! I am tired and need to rest. You may leave!" Yuan Ao turned his back, refusing to look at her any longer.