Orion looked at Jiang Qianning's determined expression and lightly touched the tip of his nose.
"Haha, do you really think I'm someone who doesn't keep his word?" he said, a reassuring tone in his voice. "Don't worry, your father is safe. I'll honor my promise."
With a wave of his hand, a shadow guard appeared and knelt beside him.
"Follow him. He'll take you to see your father."
"Thank you!" Jiang Qianning said, her eyes showing a glimmer of relief. She whispered softly, "As long as my father is safe, that's all that matters. Everything else will be worth it."
Orion decided to accompany her. "Well, I suppose it's time I meet this Jiang Shicheng."
...
Jiang Shicheng was under house arrest in a luxurious residence not far from the city lord's palace. The original owner of the house had willingly vacated it following negotiations with the shadow guards.
Upon Orion's arrival, several shadow guards emerged from the shadows and knelt respectfully.
"Welcome, Your Majesty," they greeted.
Orion nodded and asked, "So, Jiang Shicheng hasn't caused any trouble?"
"Everything is normal, my lord," a shadow guard replied respectfully.
Orion was satisfied. Jiang Shicheng's cultivation was currently suppressed by Li Sandao, making him as vulnerable as an ordinary person. With several Martial Emperor shadow guards stationed, escape was impossible.
"Lead the way," Orion instructed, exhaling a breath of relief. He had already planned what to say next.
...
In a spacious room, Jiang Shicheng sat with his eyes closed, appearing to be deep in thought. Although his cultivation was suppressed, he remained calm. His daughter's well-being was his primary concern, and he had confidence that Orion wouldn't harm him as long as he had Jiang Qianning.
When he heard hurried footsteps approaching, Jiang Shicheng's eyes snapped open. A faint smile touched his lips.
"It seems someone is coming... Orion, perhaps?"
When the door opened, Orion stepped in, taking a moment to observe the room's décor. Seeing Orion, Jiang Shicheng's eyes widened in shock.
"Emperor Wu…" he muttered, astonished.
Despite his cultivation being sealed, Jiang Shicheng recognized the unmistakable aura of a Martial Emperor. The rapid rise in Orion's power was both startling and impressive.
"Daddy!" Jiang Qianning burst into the room, her eyes red with tears. She rushed to her father, her voice choked with emotion. "Dad, I'm so worried about you!"
Jiang Shicheng's heart ached at the sight of his daughter, but he also noticed the look of distress in her eyes. He sighed inwardly, knowing full well what that expression meant.
"Qian Ning, you've suffered," he said, gently rubbing her back.
Orion stood awkwardly nearby, feeling a bit out of place as Jiang Qianning's emotional outburst continued.
"Ah hem. Qian Ning, perhaps you should step outside for a moment. Uncle Jiang and I have some matters to discuss."
Jiang Qianning hesitated but ultimately left the room as requested, casting a final glance at Orion before stepping out.
Orion then sat down on a nearby stool and turned to Jiang Shicheng.
"Uncle Jiang, since we're now family, I'll be straightforward. I'm about to lead an army, and I want you to resume your role as the city lord of Beiyang City."
Initially, Orion had considered finding someone else to guard the city. However, with the need to focus on offensive campaigns, it made sense to leave Beiyang City in Jiang Shicheng's capable hands.
Jiang Shicheng was surprised. "Are you serious? You're offering me Beiyang City again? Even after it was taken from me?"
Orion poured himself a cup of tea and smiled. "Why not? The position of city lord is just a role, and the city's defenders have been eliminated. Returning it to you is simply a gesture of goodwill."
Jiang Shicheng was taken aback, his mind racing. Was Orion up to something? Beiyang City held significant strategic and political value. It seemed too convenient to just give it back.
A realization dawned on Jiang Shicheng. "Haha, nephew Lu Shi, you must have other motives. You're making me city lord again to show that I'm allied with you. And with Qian Ning by your side, it confirms our connection. If things change, I won't be able to explain easily."
Orion chuckled. "You're sharp, Uncle Jiang. Yes, this arrangement solidifies our alliance. I'm confident you'll serve well."
With the pieces in place, Orion knew that this move would both consolidate his power and maintain a strategic advantage. The future would reveal if this gamble paid off.