"Prince, you are unaware of this, but I know my second brother's nature completely. I predict he will certainly mobilize the army, heavily reinforce the Jueji Forest and Hantian Valley, and slaughter every last one of the foreign tribes." Qing Lin knew Xuan Hu's personality like the back of his hand. "When that time comes, it will be my turn to step forward, rallying the heroes of all the tribes to denounce the tyrant Wan Jian Xuan Hu. Only by leveraging the might of the entire world against the tyrant's actions can great things be achieved."

"So that's how it is. At that time, your subordinate can lead the Water Tribe forces out of Cangshan Sea and secure a foothold on the continent." Lang Taotian's ambition was not as grand as Qing Lin's; he merely hoped that after success, the status of the Water Tribe among the Three Swords would be elevated.

"Then, how does the Third City Lord plan to deal with Ye Xiu?" At this moment, Jian Hong Chen also emerged soundlessly, his injuries fully healed. "To survive the full fury of Dugu Bing Chen's maddened meridians—this youngster is indeed remarkable."

Qing Lin curved his lips into a wide, radiant smile and yanked on his fishing line. A large fish was thrashing wildly after taking the bait. "Ye Xiu is my final trump card. His goals will not clash with any of ours. As long as his desires are satisfied, he will be mine to command."

"Are you not afraid that the Second City Lord will also cater to his preferences?" Although Jian Hong Chen was an arrogant swordsman admired by the world, he understood the deceit and treachery inherent in worldly affairs very well.

"I am not afraid." Qing Lin gently unhooked the fish and released it back into the lake. "He and I are cut from the same cloth. Though we may not be good men, we certainly won't commit atrocities. One can sacrifice much to achieve one's goals—though naturally, never oneself."

The Human Army achieved a resounding victory and returned in triumph. The entirety of Wan Jian City was filled with jubilation. Wan Jian Xuan Hu immediately bestowed the title of Grand General of Wan Jian City upon Ye Xiu and instantly announced the marriage between Ye Xiu and Chen Ying to everyone. For Ye Xiu, this was truly a triple blessing, making him exceedingly content.

"Wan Jian City must be rebuilt from the ashes. General Ye, you must now strive for the benefit of the Human Race." Xuan Hu hosted a grand banquet for all who had contributed meritorious service. "Everyone present here is an elite of our Human Race. Taking advantage of this joyous occasion, I have another important decree to announce."

The crowd had been drinking and celebrating, happily congratulating Grand General Ye Xiu. Unexpectedly, the City Lord turned solemn, forcing everyone to put down their cups.

Wan Jian Xuan Hu drank a cup himself, speaking with full authority: "From this day forward, the entirety of the Three Swords Realm shall be the territory of our Wan Jian City. Every member of the Human Race has an obligation to kill members of the Beast, Winged, and Water Tribes. Kill one, reward one hundred; kill ten, reward one thousand. Anyone who slaughters over a thousand members of the foreign tribes shall be ennobled as a Marquis!"

"Ah!" Some in the audience exclaimed in excitement, while others were deeply worried. Only Ye Xiu remained unmoved; he had long known Xuan Hu to be such a man.

"This cannot be, City Lord." Zuo Wencheng tried desperately to stop him. "Our Wan Jian City has ruled the Three Swords Realm for ages, implementing benevolent governance. Such wanton slaughter will only breed tenfold hatred from the other three tribes toward us, likely ensuring endless strife within the Three Swords."

"Zuo Wencheng, your words are mistaken." The One-Word Sword Lord naturally stood with Xuan Hu. "The actions of the Beast and Winged Tribes are plain for all to see. If the City Lord had not fought back with all his might to drive back the Ten Thousand Ancient Poison Mists during the siege of Wan Jian City, it would not be us drinking and feasting here, but the foreign races."

"But, but war is limited to soldiers and generals! What concern does it have with the common folk? There are countless innocent civilians among the Beast and Winged Tribes—what wrong have they committed!" Zuo Wencheng's voice was harsh, but his words held reason.

"The Beast and Winged Tribes suffered a crushing defeat! If we do not eradicate their people now, they will surely counterattack later, and only we will be left weeping." Ye Feng Bei Ming's cold voice and chilling air deterred others who might have spoken up.

"General Ye, what are your exalted views?" Xuan Hu paid no mind to the words of the civil officials. This was how the world worked; what they said sounded reasonable, but nine out of ten sentences were utter nonsense. Without strength, no one paid attention to you.

Ye Xiu's eyes flickered, instantly grasping Xuan Hu's intentions. He stood up and stated, "Those not of our own race must have different ambitions! I highly concur with the City Lord's decision, though I have one small suggestion."

"Good, a fine statement: 'Those not of our own race must have different ambitions!'" Xuan Hu clapped his hands in approval, delighted that Ye Xiu so perfectly aligned with his thoughts. "General Ye, state your suggestion quickly."

"I believe the matter of exterminating the Beast and Winged Tribes can be slightly postponed. Our current focus should shift to the Water Tribe." Ye Xiu naturally had to bring up the Water Tribe; the true essence of one of the Three Divine Ghost Swords still lay in the hands of the Water Tribe people. Although even Elder Yu Feng did not know the whereabouts of the Xiao Lang Sword's true essence, he still needed to find an opportunity to travel to the Water Tribe to search. "The Water Tribe has always kept to themselves, and we do not fully understand their military strength or combat capabilities. This subordinate is willing to disguise himself as an ordinary person and infiltrate the Water Tribe to investigate every detail, ensuring complete preparedness."

"General Ye's point has merit." Xuan Hu leaned forward, contemplating. He felt this arrangement held no loss for him; even letting Ye Xiu go alone to the Water Tribe territory would not affect his deployment against the Beast and Winged Tribes. "Let it be settled then. The movements of the Water Tribe will be entrusted to General Ye."

No one present dared voice any objection. The difference between Wan Jian Xuan Hu and Cang Long lay in this: Cang Long commanded obedience through his innate kingly aura, while Xuan Hu's authority stemmed from the absolute power he wielded and his unfathomably profound martial cultivation. Thus, this decree was issued with the same resolute finality as Cang Long's decree in those years, even though its implementation was bound to be accompanied by endless, heartless bloodshed.

Ye Xiu downed several cups of wine and sat down. After all, today was supposed to be a joyous day for him and Chen Ying, and he needed to partake in the drinking to accept everyone's blessings. However, drinking too much meant he couldn't control himself, and he had to be supported by his attendants back to his palace.

"All of you, leave." Ye Xiu's face was slightly flushed as he dismissed everyone. It had been a long time since he had drunk so heavily; the last time he got drunk was on the day he married Lü Xu. He staggered into the inner chamber and shed his outer robe, only to find Chen Ying already lying on the large, golden phoenix-carved bed, waiting for him.

"Naughty, what are you staring at? Hurry and help me untie this!" Chen Ying wore a playful smile. Considering it was their wedding night, this should have been the perfect moment for her to entrust her body to Ye Xiu, yet she lacked the shyness of a maiden.

Ye Xiu shook his head helplessly. Fortunately, computer technology had not yet been invented in this era; otherwise, if others discovered this was his second marriage, he'd surely be dragged out and executed. Swaying, he moved to the bedside, half-asleep, failing to notice that Chen Ying was wrapped tightly in layers of thick silk, only her head visible.

"What's wrong with you? Did you drink too much today?" Chen Ying began to sound slightly displeased. She hadn't expected Ye Xiu, usually so fierce, to be so lackluster on their wedding day.

The alcohol fumes took hold of Ye Xiu, and he paid no mind to niceties, lying down next to Chen Ying without even removing his boots, reaching out to grasp her hand. "Where is your hand? What's wrong with your hand? Why are you still wearing clothes while sleeping!"

Chen Ying looked bewildered, realizing Ye Xiu didn't understand the customs of the Three Swords Realm at all. She laughed softly and said, "Ye Xiu, I am your wife now. If you don't come and help me undo these bindings, I'll have to lie like this forever."

"Ah! You want to play Sleeping Beauty?" Ye Xiu mumbled incoherently, failing to grasp Chen Ying's meaning, even vaguely saying, "The City Lord sent me to investigate the Water Tribe. I think I have to leave soon. You must stay home and wait for me, wait for me!"

"What? The wedding day hasn't even passed, and you're leaving again?" Chen Ying tried to lift her head but found herself unable to support her body.

Ye Xiu vaguely pulled Chen Ying close, kissing her cheek while draping his leg over her. Strangely, in that moment, his thoughts drifted to Lü Xu. He remembered how he and Lü Xu had also parted ways the day after their wedding. Only Ye Xiu truly understood the reasons; his nature was such that sometimes, for the sake of some curiosity, he could set aside affection. With that thought, he let out a loud snore and fell asleep.

Outside the window, the night insects seemed to still be chirping. Ye Xiu vaguely felt the alcohol wearing off. Ancient wine was truly superior; even when drunk, it didn't cause a headache. It was a pity these people only learned to brew baijiu and never brewed beer—that was strange.

He tried to gently shift his body to check on Chen Ying, but suddenly felt an itching sensation in his lower body, and a strange impulse shot to his mind. Ye Xiu lowered his head and saw that Chen Ying was delicately using her hand to caress his intimate area.

"You..." Ye Xiu was surprised, not knowing what to say. He remembered Chen Ying's hands and feet had been wrapped in thick silk initially—how was this possible now?

Chen Ying looked at Ye Xiu, giggling. A maiden's yearning was indeed more terrifying than a man's. It turned out Ye Xiu wasn't awakened by the insects' chirping; he was clearly awakened by Chen Ying's teasing.

Ye Xiu didn't say much, simply rolling over and pressing Chen Ying beneath him. At this moment, he didn't need to think about anything; he only needed to savor this exquisite pleasure. His emotions surged, unexpectedly triggering the Jue Jing Mai within him. A surge of internal energy erupted, rendering him unable to control his actions. He lunged forward and pulled Chen Ying's head down toward him, then forcefully made her take that thing and move it back and forth vigorously.

Chen Ying had no idea Ye Xiu's passion would ignite so fiercely. This was the first time she had witnessed such an act. Although slightly shy, she found it thrilling. At this point, it was no longer her place to control Ye Xiu; all she could do was constantly accommodate his movements. She was Ye Xiu's slave; he could play with her however he wished.

"Ah!" Ye Xiu cried out and let out a long, deep breath. The essence he had held back for so long surged into Chen Ying's mouth and slid down her throat. But it wasn't over yet; at this moment, Ye Xiu was completely unable to stop. The power of the Jue Jing Mai revived him, and he fiercely embraced Chen Ying, beginning to manipulate her again.