Chapter 73 Going to the Valley of No Form

On April 21st, after finishing Ji Xiaolan's lesson, Yongqi once again asked Emperor Qianlong for leave to leave the palace. Emperor Qianlong was worried that Yongqi would become bored in the palace if he did not agree, so he naturally agreed. His only request was that Yongqi take good care of himself and return to the palace as soon as possible.

After receiving permission from Emperor Qianlong, Yongqi changed into commoner's clothes and left the palace alone. After leaving the palace, he went to the scholar's residence and greeted Erkang and Ertai.

"Fifth Prince, why did you leave the palace?" the Fu brothers asked curiously. "And you even changed into such ordinary clothes..."

Yongqi said, "I need to go to Wuxiang Valley, but the location of Wuxiang Valley cannot be revealed, so I came here to change my clothes and disguise myself again, and then go out through the back door."

Yongqi's considerations were not without merit. Better safe than sorry. If the location of Wuxiang Valley were to become known, it would be the end of them. Even if Qianlong did not think much of it, those court officials would still accuse him of wrongdoing!

"Fifth Prince's consideration is good. We do need to be careful. I'll take you to change your clothes." After Fu Erkang helped Yongqi change his clothes and disguised him, he quietly left through the back door.

"Brother, isn't it too risky to let him go alone?"

Fu Erkang said helplessly, "Look at him, does he want us to come with him? Besides, the Fifth Prince never goes into battle unprepared. The fact that he dares to come out alone means he must have a way to protect himself!"

"Besides, if we go with him, the risk of Wuxiang Valley being exposed will be greater. If he goes alone, he won't attract as much attention."

After hearing this, Fortaire nodded. "Now that you mention it, I understand. Now all we can do is wait and see?"

"Indeed." Fu Erkang and Fu Ertai looked in the direction Yongqi left, praying in their hearts that Yongqi would return safely. Otherwise, their family would be in deep trouble. After all, everyone saw that the Fifth Prince had entered the Imperial Academy. If he disappeared without a trace afterward, they would definitely be the first to suffer!

After changing his clothes and disguise, Yongqi discreetly arrived at the location of Wuxiang Valley. This place was in a completely different direction from Biboting, so that even if something unexpected happened, they wouldn't be wiped out in one fell swoop!

Outside Wuxiang Valley, there are poisonous insects and plants everywhere, a gathering place for all kinds of poisonous things. Unless the people inside come out to invite people in, anyone outside who tries to break in will only face certain death, unless there are enough people to exhaust all their poisons!

When Yongqi arrived outside Wuxiang Valley, he saw no one around. He took out a flute and played it. People came out and, seeing Yongqi, quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, Valley Master!"

"What brings you here, Valley Master?" The head of the North Sea Hall, named Yu Feng, was fifteen years old this year. He was the strongest martial artist in the valley besides Yong Qi. He looked a little taller than Yong Qi, but his appearance was somewhat inferior to Yong Qi's. At this moment, he looked at Yong Qi with curiosity, wondering why he would suddenly appear in Wuxiang Valley.

"Having nothing better to do, I came to check on the situation in the valley. I can't be a puppet valley master, letting others take over all the affairs and turning me into a powerless one..."

Standing on Yongqi's other side was the leader of the Xihai Hall, named Yu Lei. Although his name contained three stones, he was unlike any stone in human nature. Among his brothers, he was the most thoughtful and perceptive. "Valley Master is too kind," Yu Lei said. "We brothers have all received great kindness from you, how could we dare to betray you? We all know that you have important matters to attend to and cannot come to the valley often, which is why we are helping to look after the affairs of the valley. But as soon as you return, you will have the final say in all matters of the valley..."

Yongqi smiled slightly and said, "I was just saying it casually, why are you all so nervous? I entrusted things to you with confidence in the first place, which means I trust you, so how could I doubt your loyalty?"

Yu Feng and Yu Lei safely led Yong Qi into the valley. Looking around, they could see houses nestled among the mountains and rivers. Yu Feng asked, "Valley Master, should we call the other hall masters and altar masters here?"

"Summon this Lord, that Lord, all those who hold the title of Lord to the council chamber. I have something to announce."

"Understood, elder brother. You accompany the Valley Master to the council hall, I'll go call the others." The names of the four brothers were derived from wind, rain, thunder, and lightning. Yu Feng was naturally the eldest, and Yu Lei was naturally the third.

"Valley Master, this way please." The largest council hall in the entire Wuxiang Valley is naturally located next to Yongqi's house. "Valley Master, please wait a moment."

Upon entering the council chamber, facing the entrance was an exceptionally large chair placed on the steps. The first two rows below the steps had chairs, while the rest was open space. Clearly, those in the first two rows, of higher status, could sit, while those in the back had to stand. Yongqi walked up the steps and sat in his seat, but since he was still young, his position seemed somewhat incongruous…

About half an hour later, all the masters in the valley gathered in the council hall and greeted the Valley Master.

Yongqi said loudly, "No need for formalities. I came back today just to take a look around, but I suddenly remembered something very important, so I must remind you."

"Do you still remember the original intention behind the creation of Wuxiang Valley?"

"I remember Mr. Xu once said that Wuxiang Valley was created for the Valley Master and his wife, to protect their safety, and to help them ascend to the highest position in the future!"

"Alright, today I brought a portrait of the Valley Master's wife. You must distribute it as soon as possible so that everyone in Wuxiang Valley remembers her. If you encounter her in the future, you must protect her safety. Understand?"

"Please rest assured, Valley Master, we will protect your wife with our lives!"

"Very good, but your Valley Master's wife is considerate of you. She said that you are all human beings, just like her, with no distinction of high or low status. So, if she encounters danger and tells you to leave, what should you do?"

"We will stand with the Valley Master's wife through thick and thin!"

Yongqi immediately rejected this answer, "Wrong. What you need to do is listen to the Valley Master's wife and act according to her arrangements, instead of going your own way and causing more casualties!"

Everyone was puzzled when they heard Yongqi's words. Were they going to abandon the Valley Master's wife and run away for their lives?

Yongqi smiled and said, "Your Valley Master's wife is a smart woman. She naturally knows what the best way is to minimize casualties. Do you all understand?"

"We understand! Whatever the Valley Master's wife says goes!"

Yongqi continued, "However, you must also be adaptable. No matter how powerful your Valley Master's wife is, she will eventually have weaknesses and may make mistakes in judgment. What you need to do is to clearly see whether the Valley Master's wife made a decision on impulse or after careful consideration..."

"...Understood!" Protecting one person is such a hassle, but unfortunately, this Valley Master has paid a lot of money, so I must do my job well. This master is too generous!

"Little Swallow, where are you now? I really want to see you..." After Yongqi had talked to everyone, he dismissed them and went to his room in Wuxiang Valley. Looking at the decorations inside, Yongqi thought to himself, "When can I bring her here?"