"The military life...is not for you. Furthermore, you shouldn't strive so hard for perfection in everything. There are not always perfect endings in this world... Go ahead and do what you want to do, your grandfather will always support you," Fan Wudi gently told Chu Mo, "Don't worry about me, I am quite well! The greatness you've achieved has also added to my perceived worth. Who in Great Xia doesn't look up to old Fan now?"

Chu Mo looked at his slightly aged grandfather and felt a twinge of sorrow in his heart. "My only wish is to make life better for those around me," he said.

"Things are already good enough!" Fan Wudi got up, walked over to Chu Mo, and patted him on the shoulder. "The greatest accomplishment of my life is having a wonderful grandson like you. In this war, Great Xia will undoubtedly be victorious! Even if various sects are participating... We will still achieve victory because we, too, have the support of numerous sects!"

Fan Wudi continued, "Moreover, those sects wouldn't dare to act recklessly. Involving themselves too much in worldly matters wouldn't benefit them at all. Plus, I heard that the top sect in the world, the Immortals, announced they would protect us, Great Xia!"

Chu Mo couldn't help but let out a bitter smile. "Grandfather, that was a false rumor I spread!"

"What?" Fan Wudi was surprised, looking at Chu Mo with confusion.

Chu Mo explained, "Here's how it is..."

After explaining his various connections with the Immortals, Fan Wudi was flabbergasted. He had never imagined that his grandson could be brazen enough to toy around even with such a top sect of this era.

"Aren't you afraid they'll give you trouble?" Fan Wudi asked, worry apparent in his eyes. Though he was not familiar with the ways of the world of martial arts, his life experiences and wisdom far exceeded Chu Mo's.

"At this point...I have so many problems, one more doesn't make a difference. I owe so much, I've lost count," Chu Mo replied with a laugh. "What's one more sect against me? Besides, knowing that woman, she's so arrogant, she probably wouldn't bother to explain. This way, Great Xia essentially has an extra layer of protection, and interference from the outside world...will be reduced to a great extent."

Fan Wudi sighed, "You're effectively drawing all the conflict to yourself. From the perspective of the state, this is undoubtedly the best course of action. But from a personal perspective... I don't want you taking on too many risks."

Getting a selfless lifetime veteran general like him to speak such words was undeniably extreme.

Chu Mo reassured him, "Don't worry, Grandfather. I promise I will take care of myself. I am emotionally attached to Great Xia too. After all, it's my homeland. I hope Great Xia prospers. Besides... the Emperor has granted me a kingship."

"Yes, the Emperor has indeed been quite generous to our family, but...your heart is not here. Whether you are a king or not...it doesn't matter to you," Fan Wudi looked at Chu Mo and asked, "Once these sects confirm your master's departure, they will inevitably target you again. What's your plan?"

"Fighting head-on is definitely not an option. I anticipate, this time, only those of the Enlightening Heart Realm or higher will challenge me. I'm no match for them now," Chu Mo responded with a smile. However, there wasn't much worry in his face.

"Indeed, a single person of that level could potentially dictate the outcome of a war," Fan Wudi sighed. "The relationship between the sects and the mundane world used to be minimal, but in recent years, they have been taking things too far."

"To survive, these sects can't completely immerse themselves in the mundane world," Chu Mo quietly said, "I believe that one day, the sects in the world will truly merge into the mundane world, and at the same time, they will also have to abide by its rules."

"That's quite difficult," Fan Wudi sighed.

"That's why I will strive," Chu Mo turned to his grandfather. "With this big victory, Grandfather should be in for a promotion, right?"

"I don't really care about those things," Fan Wudi replied.

"I have some elixirs here, Grandfather," Chu Mo said, "If this time, the Emperor orders you to return to Yanhuang City, you shouldn't refuse. You could spend a few years there in secluded cultivation. Your overall condition could at least improve to the Understanding Heart Realm! By then, whether it's about your life expectancy or physical strength, you would have got them sorted, and I would be relieved."

"Can there really be such a miraculous elixir in this world? To reap the benefits without putting in any effort?" The older man was somewhat skeptical.

"It's not exactly getting something for nothing, elixirs are like brewing wine..." Chu Mo smiled and said, "It's said that wine is the essence of grains, to brew a pot of good wine, you definitely need a lot of grains, right?"

Fan Wudi nodded. He knew a little about brewing.

"Elixirs are the same, they are the essence of medicinal herbs," Chu Mo said, "the accumulation of your years of knowledge is more than enough. After taking these elixirs, you can break through multiple barriers rapidly."

Fan Wudi looked at Chu Mo with satisfaction. Suddenly remembering something, he asked, "You said that the Emperor would send an order asking me to return to the capital? Why?"

"What does Grandfather think? Not only do I think Grandfather will have to return to Yanhuang City, but I also think that very soon I too, will be summoned there directly. Then…there will be a grand kingly ascension ceremony. The upcoming wars…and us, the grandfather-grandson pair…will likely have nothing to do with them," Chu Mo said.

Fan Wudi finally realized, "I understand now...in fear of threatening his position! If we continue to partake in this war, the Emperor might indeed feel insecure... Having a good reputation is one thing, but becoming too renowned… isn't always good."

"Grandfather understands?" Chu Mo asked.

"What's not to understand? Don't worry, I'm tired, and I've been away for so long. It's about time I go back and enjoy some peace. If the Emperor wants me to return, at least… he ought to grant me the title of March General," the old man said with a laugh, clearly not taking the matter too seriously.

His liberality touched Chu Mo. The old man's life experiences were indeed rich—highs and lows, shifts and changes—he must've gotten used to all kinds of circumstances.

This is something Chu Mo needed to learn.

As Chu Mo anticipated, not long after the battle report of the total annihilation of Tiger Head Army was sent to Yanhuang City, the capital of Great Xia Kingdom, a decree arrived from the royal court.

Twenty-three days after the battle.

The decree from the palace arrived in their camp, summoning Fan Wudi and Chu Mo to return to Yanhuang City to await their rewards.

Meanwhile, the emperor also dispatched a general to take Fan Wudi's place.

This general made Fan Wudi frown and incited a sense of annoyance in Chu Mo.

A sense of annoyance towards the incoming general and towards the Emperor.

The man who arrived was none other than the Third Prince, Xia Hao, who had previously been punished to serve along the northern borders.

At the time, the Emperor had ordered him to stay away from Yanhuang City for ten years. Yet, just a few months in, he was instantly reassigned here to replace old Fan Wudi and become the head general of this region.

Though Fan Wudi's old subordinates didn't say anything, Chu Mo could tell that they were all dissatisfied with Xia Hao's arrival!

They too were not fond of this Third Prince, who was also a military officer! (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to qidian.com to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile phone users can go to m.qidian.com for reading.)

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