Thus, under the pressure of various powers, the Lu Clan's military authority was repeatedly stripped away, with officials and commanders loyal to the Lu Clan either having no hope of promotion or being reassigned to nominal positions.

Over time, there were fewer and fewer commanders loyal to the Lu Clan, and consequently, the number of troops they controlled also dwindled.

Why were they able to retain this barren land?

Firstly, because it was far from the capital, it couldn't compare with major cities like Phoenix City, Luo City, or the Frontier Cities, let alone cities like Zhao Ling, the Yellow Sea, or Chigu.

Moreover, as the name suggests, it was a wasteland with neither resources nor population.

Vast stretches of desert and Gobi—could these sands possibly produce energy or gold?

No one wanted this kind of place. Whoever wanted to come was welcome, but they certainly didn't want it.

Secondly, it was north-facing Lone Mountain, which served as a natural barrier against barbarian invasions.

The barbarians...

Their lives were cheap.

But their combat power was incredibly strong, with a fearsome reputation, deep hatred for the Empire, and fearsome fearlessness...

Neither the Imperial Family nor other powers wanted their sons to risk their lives against the barbarians.

Since the Lu Family wanted it, it might as well be given to them.

Defending against the barbarians was a thankless task of great hardship—if done well, it was merely an expected duty.

If performed poorly, one was accused of being negligent in preparing for war and faced investigation.

Although the Lu Family had taken on this onerous task, they had always been loyal and had performed their roles exceptionally well.

Not to mention driving back the barbarians and penetrating the heart of Lone Mountain,

at least they had prevented the barbarians from advancing a step, stopping them from crossing the wasteland straight into the Empire's heartland.

As time went by, it seemed everyone had forgotten about this place.

Unexpectedly, after these major changes, Lu Dongsheng had actually led his family's main forces to retreat to this place.

"Moreover, I heard from Lu Siyu that Mr. Lu feels that although the Qin Family is a partner, they are still outsiders. How could the whole family live in someone else's house?"

"The Lu Family must have its own home, its own resting place... otherwise, they would be laughed at, looked down upon."

Tang Fei remained silent for a moment before saying, "The old master's foresight is something ordinary people can't match."

He agreed with the old master's thinking. Although the relationship between the Qin Lu was excellent, like oil mixed with honey, a partner was ultimately just a partner, not family.

One has to lower their stature somewhat when living under someone else's roof.

In case of any conflicts, the situation would become even more embarrassing.

Therefore, the old man must have his own refuge, his own place...

On one's own territory, one can be the master.

Living in someone else's house, saying too much is interfering in other's family affairs.

And, based on Tang Fei's understanding of Lu Qingshan, Lu Dongsheng, and the Lu Family, if they chose to retreat to the wasteland, they must have their own means of self-preservation.

Presumably, they planned to develop the place just like Lu Ban Mountain.

This was exactly what the Lu Family was best at.

After Bai Wuxin reported some important matters, Tang Fei saw that Bai Wuxin seemed hesitant to speak.

Bai Wuxin understood his thoughts and took the initiative to say, "I've instructed the intelligence team to search for his whereabouts at full capacity, but unfortunately, there is still no result to date."

"We've also heard some news; some say he was killed by Shen Xinglan, others say he killed Shen Xinglan and then escaped without a trace..."

"There are even more absurd rumors... that he and Shen Xinglan perished together..."

"Has Shen Xinglan appeared in public recently?" Tang Fei asked.

Bai Wuxin paused for a moment before responding, "I'll have our people focus on Shen Xinglan."

"Mm, but be very cautious... tracking a Grandmaster is extremely dangerous. Let alone the 'Ghostly Despair' of the Shen Family, which is mysterious and unpredictable... once discovered by him, our people will find it hard to escape."

"Those who enter the Ghost group are prepared to make sacrifices."

"To those who can survive... live well," Tang Fei reiterated.

Bai Wuxin looked pensive at Tang Fei, feeling that his temper had changed somewhat, yet couldn't pinpoint exactly what had changed.

"I understand," Bai Wuxin said earnestly.

"No matter what..."

"I get it."

Bai Wuxin turned and left.

He knew what Tang Fei wanted to do.

And it was precisely what he also wanted to do.

------

Eagle Ridge. A grove.

Tang Fei waited quietly.

This was the place he and An Ning had agreed to meet; they often used to come here for hunting and were very familiar with the area.

After such a long time without seeing her, the little girl he had rescued from the predator had now become the Holy Daughter of the Flame Shrine...

Life is full of surprises!

Suddenly, a chilling presence emanated from behind.

Tang Fei turned around and saw a woman in a Black Robe and a black veil quietly standing there.

"An Ning?" Tang Fei asked uncertainly.

Logically, this girl must be An Ning, since only An Ning knew about tonight's meeting.

But in reality...

The difference between the woman in black and An Ning was so vast. When he left the Old Land, An Ning had still been a sickly, malnourished thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl, with yellowish hair and a gaunt figure, looking undernourished despite their regular assistance.

Now, the woman in black before him had a seductive figure, a tall and slender body, a temperament...

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