All Heavens and Worlds Starting from the Night Watchman

Chapter 9: New Mission Reward — The Great River Sword Intent

Xu Qi’an maintained a solemn expression and declared righteously, “Actually, before we even looked at the files, we had already deduced that the rumours of demonic involvement were merely a smokescreen.”

“Someone is simply committing heinous acts under the guise of demonic mischief. After thorough analysis, we have reached several conclusions: first, the route taken to transport the tax silver; second, the weight of the silver—logically speaking…”

As Xu Qi’an and Lin Qiye elaborated, Xu Xinnian listened in astonishment, his eyes gleaming. Their reasoning seemed overwhelmingly sharp. At the same time, his fists clenched tightly as he grappled with the realisation that, despite priding himself on his intelligence, he was worlds apart from these two.

When faced with difficulties, these two analysed calmly, while he merely awaited doom.

“Is that all?” After they concluded, Xu Xinnian couldn’t help but interject.

It was evident that he was unwilling to accept it openly, but deep down, he acknowledged the truth. Xu Xinnian had always been one to mask his inner thoughts behind a façade of pride.

Xu Lingyue, on the other hand, wore an expression of admiration. She held a deep regard for these two, who seemed as unfazed by challenges as a mountain unshaken by an avalanche.

Such individuals were destined to achieve greatness. While Xu Qi’an was family, Lin Qiye was not — a fact that left room for certain possibilities. Who could say if, one day, they might become family?

After all, which young maiden’s heart does not yearn for a capable, charismatic man?

Xu Pingzhi, who had been listening all the while, suddenly struck the table with a loud slap and exclaimed, “Damn! How did I not see this?”

The others turned to him with sceptical expressions. If he truly possessed such insight, would he still hold his current position?

Xu Qi’an was momentarily startled by Xu Pingzhi’s outburst, inwardly thinking, If only being uncultured were a strength, a single exclamation of ‘Damn!’ would conquer the world.

Xu Pingzhi was, after all, a straightforward warrior — barely literate beyond recognising his own name.

Li Ru couldn’t help but mock him. “You brute! What do you even understand?”

From their discussion, it became clear that a person surnamed Lu had once offered Xu Pingzhi a flask of osmanthus honey. Given his modest alcohol tolerance, Xu Pingzhi had indulged excessively and consequently remembered nothing of the critical events.

Xu Qi’an was exasperated. If these details had been recorded in the investigation files, resolving the case would have been far simpler. It truly reflected Xu Pingzhi’s careless nature — a typical warrior who overlooked the smallest but crucial details.

It was evident that the person surnamed Lu was the culprit behind their family’s downfall. After all, why would someone offer alcohol without ulterior motives?

Upon understanding the truth, Xu Pingzhi fell into deep self-reproach. Back during the “Battle of Shanhai,” he had fought alongside Xu Qi’an’s father, Xu Pingfeng, back to back. If not for Xu Pingfeng shielding him from a deadly blow, he would have been the one to die.

Because of this debt, he had sent Xu Xinnian to pursue scholarly studies. The “Battle of Shanhai” was a conflict known far and wide — a historic war that marked one of the most tragic conflicts in history.

The vast lands of the Great Feng Dynasty sprawled over the Central Plains, claiming the legitimate rule of the realm. The dynasty established its rule through martial might and governed through Confucian principles. At its peak, vassal states from all corners paid tribute.

For six hundred years, this nation flourished. However, twenty years ago, a coalition of the Great Feng Dynasty and various Western territories waged a decisive battle against the nomadic tribes of the North and the Southern barbarians at Shanhaiguan. The conflict drew in a million soldiers. In just half a year, a million lives were lost, cementing it as one of the most brutal wars ever — the “Battle of Shanhai.”

Xu Pingfeng, Xu Qi’an’s father, perished in that war.

Their discussion extended into the night. Later, Lin Qiye and Xu Qi’an, sharing a room, engaged in a more private dialogue.

“Lin Qiye, from my perspective as a mere armchair strategist, no dynasty has ever surpassed three centuries,” Xu Qi’an remarked. “How has the Great Feng endured for over six hundred years?”

Lin Qiye shared a similar sentiment. Historically, no regime had exceeded three centuries of dominance.

“A nation divided will unite; a united one will divide. The Great Feng’s endurance is likely due to the cultivators who wield overwhelming influence,” Lin Qiye speculated. “Take the Supervisor of the Directorate of Astronomy — his strength must be of the highest grade, capable of influencing half the nation.”

“You make a valid point,” Xu Qi’an agreed. “A person’s martial prowess can shape a nation, even alter the world.”

“Yet, what if the Great Feng is already in decline, and we’re just too new to this world to perceive it?” Lin Qiye suggested.

“Perhaps so…”

Their conversation carried on deep into the night, reflecting their wisdom and restraint despite possessing knowledge from a past life.

The following day, they resumed their martial training. Lin Qiye, with Xu Qi’an’s assistance, successfully advanced to the ‘Refined Essence’ stage, despite lacking prior training.

Just then, a voice echoed in Lin Qiye’s mind: “Ding! New mission released: Become a guest official for the Princess. Reward — The Great River Sword Intent!”

“The Great River Sword Intent?” Lin Qiye was momentarily stunned. Wasn’t this mission far too simple? With his abilities, becoming a guest official was almost guaranteed.

“Xu Qi’an, continue training. I have a mission to accomplish — this time, it’s for the Great River Sword Intent!”

“Lin Qiye, you’re really taking off now! Don’t forget me when you’re soaring high.”

“Relax! When I make it big, I’ll have you washing my socks!”

“Get lost!”

“Underwear works too.”

“Scram!”

Watching Lin Qiye’s retreating figure, Xu Qi’an cursed, yet his heart was warmed. Lin Qiye’s honesty and openness marked a true brotherhood.

After a long journey, Lin Qiye arrived at the Recruitment Platform, a place where princes and princesses sought talented individuals. As an unremarkable commoner, Lin Qiye was met with scepticism.

“I am Lin Qiye. I heard that this place recruits talents, and I wish to serve the Princess.”

“Which sect or school do you belong to?”

“I am a mere commoner.”

“Hahaha!”