In the borderlands of Zhou Qing Nation, nestled within a small forest, a group had gathered. Shi Yang, Shang Qianqian, Shang Luo, Su Yao, and two other humans sat beneath a towering tree, sharing a meal. Ji Lin lay flat on the ground nearby, engaged in an unclear activity.
Among the two strangers were a man and a woman, their appearances haggard and travel-worn. Despite their tattered clothing, their cultivation levels were exceptional, both having reached the seventh level of the Heavenly Realm—a significant accomplishment among humans.
"Brother Shi Yang, we've been waiting here for two days. When exactly will this Young Master Qin Ji arrive?" asked the man, who appeared to be in his thirties. Worry clouded his face, and his breath was unsteady—a rare occurrence for someone of his cultivation level. Clearly, his unsettled emotions were the cause.
Shi Yang, holding a jar of potent wine, took a hearty swig before responding, "Young Master Qin Ji promised to meet us before sunset. Be patient and wait a little longer."
The man sighed deeply, bowing his head in silence. Beside him, the young woman, about twenty-two or twenty-three, revealed her anxiety through her restless demeanor.
"Brother Shi Yang, if we delay any longer, the food supplies in Jiangu Mountain will be completely plundered or destroyed by those enemies. When they're done, they'll turn on our people!" she implored, her voice trembling with urgency.
Shi Yang's drinking paused momentarily, his expression softening with a hint of guilt. However, glancing at Shang Qianqian and Shang Luo, his resolve hardened. "No matter what, I cannot leave without the young master. Even if he does arrive, his decision will dictate our course of action. Without his approval, I will not act on my own."
The young woman's face turned ashen. Lowering her head, she whispered, "Brother Shi Yang, we're of the same blood, the same roots, the same race. Why do you prioritize a noble of another race over the lives of our people?"
"Yan You! Hold your tongue!" the man rebuked sharply, his face pale with shock at her audacity.
Shi Yang, unperturbed by the resentment in Yan You's words, replied calmly, "Loyalty has its order. The young master saved my life, and I swore to serve him for one year. During this time, I will not act against his wishes, no matter the circumstance. This is the principle I live by."
Despair flashed in Yan You's eyes. Turning to the man beside her, Yan Yi, she pleaded, "Brother Yan Yi, perhaps we should go to Taicang Nation instead? Waiting here like this isn't a solution."
Yan Yi shook his head decisively. "The elders told us Taicang is also in dire straits, oppressed by two neighboring nations. Even if they have powerful warriors, they likely cannot spare any to help us."
He sighed before continuing, "When we decided to head to Taicang, it was a desperate gamble. Now, with Brother Shi Yang here—a rare and powerful protector among humans—our best chance is to convince him to negotiate on our behalf. We may yet find hope!"
"But," Yan Yi added with a heavy heart, "traveling to Taicang and back would take over two days. It's better to wait here."
Yan You bit her lip, her face pale with worry and helplessness.
Shang Qianqian, observing their despair, offered a glimmer of comfort. "Sister Yan You, don't worry. Uncle Qin Ji promised me he'd come. He's very kind and loves me dearly. When he arrives, I'll ask him to help you."
Su Yao chimed in, "Don't worry. If Qianqian asks Young Master Qin Ji, he'll definitely agree."
Yan You forced a bitter smile. How can this noble be as kind-hearted as they say? she thought. Why would someone of such high status care about the lives of a few insignificant humans?
Su Yao noticed Yan You's skepticism and added earnestly, "We were on the brink of death, abandoned to die miserably. It was Young Master Qin Ji who saved us and treats us well. You can trust him."
A faint warmth flickered in Yan You's heart as she glanced at the compassionate girl and the innocent child. She nodded slightly and gazed in the direction of Taicang. "Life is unpredictable. We sought refuge in Taicang, yet by chance, we encountered you on the way."
Yan Yi added, "Indeed. Meeting Brother Shi Yang—a human with divine powers—feels like fate intervening. When I first saw you, I couldn't help but feel that heaven hasn't abandoned the Jiangu people."
Shi Yang's expression grew thoughtful. "You've mentioned Taicang repeatedly. Is it truly a human nation?"
Yan Yi nodded. "Taicang is the only human nation within 3,000 miles. However, its situation is no better than ours."
Yan You elaborated, "An elder in Jiangu once mentioned Taicang. It's a small nation, hidden for over 200 years. We only learned of its existence from a human elder we rescued from bandits."
Shi Yang raised his eyebrows in surprise. "It's lasted over 200 years?"
Yan You nodded. "That's what the elder said. It's incredible, considering the strength of the surrounding nations."
Yan Yi sighed. "Human nations always struggle to survive. Jiangu's records describe how our ancestors once built a nation nearby, only to see it destroyed within 40 years. The survivors fled to the secluded Jiangu Mountains."
Shi Yang mused aloud, "Do you believe that somewhere, humans rule vast lands?"
Yan You dismissed the idea. "Are you talking about the Zhao Huang Nation? It's just a myth—humans ruling countless lands and species, as if such a thing could exist."
Yan Yi's face darkened. "Humans will forever live under the dominance of greater races. We're simply too weak."
Before Shi Yang could reply, his gaze shifted westward. "Here he comes."
A young man emerged from the shadows—a striking figure, tall and imposing, clad in a silver-edged robe. His radiant smile exuded warmth as he addressed them, "So here you are."