Urban God of War: The Live-in Son-in-law

The winter in the Northern Border, the snow only grew heavier.

Nomadic tribes migrated southward, not just Hong Qingyan and the others nearby, but all the herders close to the south bank of the Gesang River continued moving south in succession, as per Ye Feng, Northern Border King's wishes, regardless of whether the savages further north would come or not.

In short, it's better to be prepared than sorry.

Warfare taught Ye Feng how to think about defeating enemies; notions of emerging unscathed from every battle are pure fallacy – timing, terrain, harmony among people, strategies, courage, and tactics – wars in this world are never won simply because one wishes it so. No commander could afford to be a fool.

What Ye Feng could do was use every means possible to minimize his own losses while inflicting the greatest possible losses on the enemy, which was in itself a form of victory.

How vast was the Mingbei Empire?

Available records showed that, including the ice-covered northernmost reaches, it was once the most expansive nation in the world; however, divided they must be after unification, and the Mingbei Empire of the present had split into several forces of varying sizes.

Ye Feng didn't believe he could breach the entire Mingbei Empire. In fact, even if he wished to do so, many in the Xuanyuan Nation would rise in opposition. To continue to campaign northward would bring nothing but harm without any benefit. Even if conquered, what then?

To say nothing of whether it could be held, the assimilation between different races was a tremendously difficult and protracted affair. Why would the northern savages make large-scale incursions southward during autumn and winter? The underlying reason lies in the abundance of frozen soil in Mingbei; not enough could be grown to eat so taking from others to fill their bellies seemed only natural.

Hence, even Ye Feng didn't feel that conquering the lands north of the Gesang River was sensible. Being forced into a defensive posture, though it was a reluctant necessity, was still an act of necessity, regardless of whether the northern nomads acknowledged themselves as people of the Xuanyuan Nation.

Whoever troubles our lands shall be killed!

"Grandpa Cao, did you bring the gift?"

Seeing Cao Yi arrive, Long Nannan was the happiest to call out.

During the two days that Ye Feng was stationed at Sky Sword Peak, Cao Yi, under the pretense of "experiencing the Northern Frontier ambiance," had stayed there; as for the real reason, Ye Feng appreciated the sentiment.

However, such a short span of two days was enough for relationships to form; both Long Nannan and Hong Qingyan had become Cao Yi's adopted granddaughters.

Didn't that mean he himself might as well be Grandpa Cao's adopted grandson?

Ye Feng pinched his nose and accepted it. His status in Xuanyuan Nation was on par with that of Cao Yi's, yet what could he do when Hong Qingyan had accepted the relationship? A man must accompany his wife on the path she chooses, even if it means shedding tears.

"Of course, I brought it."

"Look, this is a pure gold 'Bara Bara Transformation Magic Wand', and this, an 'Immortal Fate Dao Transformation Pendant,' Nannan, these treasures are extraordinary, unique in the world. I wouldn't even bear to give them to my own grandchildren, but if you wear it, becoming a fairy would be just around the corner."

Cao Yi held the gleaming Transformation Rod in his left hand and an Azure Jade Pendant in his right, smiling like a blooming flower.

"Thank you, Grandpa Cao, you're the best."

Long Nannan rushed over with a smile.

One little monster, one old fox!

Seeing this, Ye Feng smirked. If he hadn't seen with his own eyes that Boss Cao's son also carried what was alleged to be an 'Immortal Fate Dao Transformation Pendant', he might have believed it himself.

Of course, although the name 'Immortal Fate Dao Transformation Pendant' might be somewhat exaggerated, it truly was a very rare treasure. The pendant contained an engraved special Array, capable of gathering the sparse spiritual energy from heaven and earth for absorption.

Boss Cao willing to part with such an item indicated he had high hopes for Long Nannan's martial cultivation aptitude.

What puzzled Ye Feng, however, was whether the old fox couldn't see what cultivation level the little monster was currently at? To put it bluntly, did she even need such a thing?

Just practicing meditation and Kung Fu casually, Long Nannan could gather more energy in a day than that Jade Pendant.

One loved to perform, the other loved to pretend!

Ye Feng was too lazy to expose these two; how they chose to amuse themselves was their business.

"Grandpa Cao, good day to you!"

In contrast with Long Nannan, Hong Qingyan was undoubtedly more polite.

"Qingyan, Grandpa Cao noticed you enjoyed reading last time, so I had people look specifically for some books for you. No need to be courteous with me."

With that said, Cao Yi commanded his subordinates to bring the items out.

At just a glance, Ye Feng felt like everything was not alright with him. These nearly a hundred volumes of books laid out on the shelf were, damn it all,

all medical books!

They covered everything ancient and modern, Eastern and Western. If Hong Qingyan got into those, when would she have time for intimacy with him?

With this in mind, Ye Feng quickly stepped in to the rescue:

"Learning medicine isn't only about reading books. Qingyan, I will keep these books for you. I'll plan for you in the future; just speak up if you have any questions."

"Alright!"

Hong Qingyan didn't give it much thought and readily agreed, unaware that entrusting the books to Ye Feng for safekeeping was in fact,

different!

"Feng, come here too," called Cao Yi to Ye Feng.

"Grandpa Cao, since when do you stand on ceremony with me?"

Upon hearing this address of 'Grandpa', Cao Yi's countenance immediately lit up. At last, he wasn't being called Boss Cao anymore; finally, his wish was fulfilled, and his patience had paid off.

He smiled and said:

"Why not call me that a few more times? It would sound even better without the 'Cao'."

He had a close private relationship with the Old Northern King and knew that Ye Feng had come from an orphanage. However, Ye Feng used to call him Director Cao. After rising in status, to Cao Yi's chagrin, Ye Feng switched to calling him Boss Cao.

Is calling me 'Grandpa' that hard?

Can't you let me have a grandson who's the Northern Border King? Let me feel proud and make that old bastard, Ge Nie, jealous with nothing but envy?

"Grandpa, how about I call you instead? One 'Grandpa' for one gift, as many as you want."

Long Nannan interjected, her large obsidian-like eyes sparkling, her expression irresistibly cute.

Cao Yi: "..."

He really wanted to agree, but his family's wealth might not be enough to amuse someone like Little Monster Long Nannan.

"What is it?"

Ye Feng finally asked, no longer needing to keep a stern face.

Damn it!

The blatant shamelessness of the elder was one thing, but the younger had never seemed to care about face at all.

The box was an exquisitely made jade container, luxurious and high-quality. Cao Yi then said,

"They're from Ning Land, the finest goji berries."

"Feng'er, as people like us have a country indeed, we must not forget that we also have a home."

Cao Yi patted Ye Feng's shoulder with profound meaning.

Are you serious, or are you just here to tease me?

Ye Feng silently fumed, his intuition telling him that shameless old Cao Yi did this on purpose. Did he, in his prime, really need such a thing for his health?

"Thank you, Grandpa Cao!" Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire

Seeing Ye Feng's stiff movements, Hong Qingyan stepped forward to receive the gift.

"By the way, Feng'er, since Qingyan has come all this way to the Northern Border with you, the two of you aren't married yet, are you?"

As soon as the words were spoken, both Ye Feng and Hong Qingyan were stunned.

"Once the Northern Border is on the right track, I will go to the imperial capital to marry Qingyan and announce it to the whole world!"

Ye Feng declared resolutely.

A simple wedding had been delayed until now, and honestly, Ye Feng felt he had wronged Hong Qingyan. However, the Northern Border was his obsession, as well as the dying entrustment of the Old Northern King.

If the Northern Border is not settled, how can one settle a family?

"Good!"

"Don't make the lady wait too long. When the time comes, I'll call the other two old guys to back you up."

Cao Yi, like a good-hearted old man, helped them out of the awkward situation again.

In the snowy land, only four lonely tents remained, the surrounding nomads having moved further south. They left these for Ye Feng, and each tent had been carefully reinforced. One tent, in particular, was stocked full of butchered cattle and sheep.

"Did you come this time to tell me something?"

Ye Feng didn't believe that Cao Yi was here simply for a casual visit without an actual reason.

"Indeed, there's quite a bit."

"Many from the Zhu Family of the Northeast are trying to exonerate them, including two Guardian Sect Leaders."

Cao Yi's tone was particularly calm.

"What do you mean?"

Ye Feng's expression showed slight confusion.

"Nothing in particular, just a heads-up for you. I'll handle this matter."

Cao Yi's face flashed a hint of ruthlessness.

The world knew Cao Yi of the Punishment Heaven Department, but how many truly understood him? Consider the prisoners under his watch—Who wouldn't fear him like a fierce tiger?

"Which two Sect Leaders?"

Ye Feng's voice deepened.

In the imperial capital, there are twelve Guardian Sect Leaders signifying the twelve Heavenly Stems, and including the Nation Guard Great Generals, there are also twelve of them, representing the twelve Earthly Branches.

However, out of the twelve Guardian Sect Leaders and Nation Guard Great Generals, only the first five Sect Leaders and one Nation Guard Great General have the qualifications to enter the Fengyun Pavilion for deliberations.

"Mo Daoxing, Qiu Kuzhen."

"There are no walls in the world that do not let through wind. Everyone in the Utility Pavilion should be trustworthy. Zhao Gongming will handle this matter. You don't need to worry about it."

"Additionally, Duan Tian has spoken. He said that if you can pass his test, he will cede the position of Great General of Nation Guard to you."

King Kao Shan of Xuanyuan Nation, who is also the Great General, originally named Duan Tian, had the audacity to change 'Duan' to 'Duantian', a minor difference in characters, yet revealing extraordinary determination.

Clearly, the words Ye Feng said that day on Azure Cloud Peak had reached the ears of Nation Guard Great General Duantian.

"A test?"

"I, Ye Feng, am not afraid of any test he has. If he acts irresponsibly one day, I'll take it whether he gives it or not."

This response narrowed Cao Yi's eyes even further.

Still a young man, full of vigor. Did he really think that the Nation Guard Great General was an easy target?

"There's another matter concerning the Martial Alliance."

"The current Martial Alliance is not the one you established. Many hidden figures are eyeing it greedily, and the Utility Pavilion hopes you can incorporate the Martial Alliance into its jurisdiction. This way, they won't hesitate when they need to act."

This was indeed the crux of the issue.

After finishing, Cao Yi didn't look at Ye Feng's expression, knowing full well what it would be regardless.

"I don't agree!"

He said this with utter decisiveness.

"Feng'er, you still don't understand what I'm saying. Since people from the Utility Pavilion are involved, it means that the matter of the Martial Alliance is now beyond your capacity."

Cao Yi spoke earnestly.

The Martial Alliance was, after Ye Feng's Northern Border Camp, another of his passionate endeavors. He knew how much Ye Feng cared for it. Frankly, Cao Yi was reluctant to persuade Ye Feng, but no one was better suited than him.