Chapter 1372: The City Lords Choice

When someone mentioned Yi Feng's name, the city general was momentarily stunned, seemingly moved. But in the next breath, his eyes dimmed, and he remained silent.

That fleeting expression was almost imperceptible, and the crowd didn't notice anything unusual. They continued to discuss the topic, their voices growing louder.

"That's right! If we can get that person to help, our city of Ye might be able to turn the tide!"

"That's a good idea. I've heard that Mr. Yi is incredibly powerful. If he steps in, our chances of winning will increase significantly!"

"We shouldn't delay any longer. Let's send someone to invite Mr. Yi immediately!"

"City Lord, what do you think?"

The debate quickly subsided, and everyone turned their attention to the silent figure seated at the head of the table.

In this critical moment for Ye City, they were desperate. Even though none of them had ever met Yi Feng, they clung to him as their last hope.

Even if the hope was slim, it reignited a spark of optimism in the room.

Just as everyone was eagerly awaiting the City Lord's decision, the young lady of the city spoke up first, dousing their hopes with cold water.

"Everyone."

"There's no need to pin your hopes on Mr. Yi. He won't help us."

He won't help?

How could the young lady be so certain?

The room fell silent, filled with doubt and confusion.

Despite the skepticism and disappointment on their faces, most were unwilling to give up. The hope was too close to abandon.

After a brief pause, the debate erupted again, with even greater urgency.

"Why wouldn't that senior help? What makes you say that?"

"Ah, someone of his stature might not be willing to intervene in a small city's conflict. It might be beneath him."

"Regardless, we have to try!"

"That's right. That Martial Emperor senior is our last hope. No matter the cost, we must do everything we can to seek his help!"

...

The more they spoke, the more desperate they became, their eyes filled with a resolve to risk everything.

At this moment, it seemed that as long as they could get Mr. Yi to intervene, they would stop at nothing. Securing this slim chance of survival was more important than anything else.

Watching the determined leaders of Ye City, Chen Yuxin could only sigh in silence.

She knew better than anyone how powerful Mr. Yi was. If he were to intervene, turning the tide wouldn't be impossible. But they had already offended him, and their last chance had long been lost.

If they could have sought his help, why would they be stuck in this dilemma now?

They had brought this upon themselves.

The more Chen Yuxin thought about it, the more regretful she felt. Listening to the heated arguments in the hall, her heart was in turmoil, and she couldn't even muster the courage to speak.

It wasn't until the City Lord finally spoke that the chaotic scene calmed down slightly.

"Everyone."

His deep voice commanded attention, and all eyes turned to him.

Seated on his grand chair, Chen Cangyun appeared as composed as ever, as if everything was under control. His calm and steady demeanor immediately brought order to the room.

The room finally quieted down.

The leaders of Ye City waited patiently, eager to hear the City Lord's wise strategy.

But when Chen Cangyun spoke again, his words left everyone exchanging puzzled glances.

"Our city of Ye is engulfed in war, with both soldiers and civilians suffering casualties. The most urgent task now is to stabilize the people's hearts. I ask everyone to work together and contribute their skills. Defending the city is of utmost importance, but we must also not neglect the internal affairs. Starting today, each family must allocate personnel to assist in the distribution of provisions to ensure the daily needs of the soldiers and civilians. The collapsed buildings and roads in the city must also be repaired."

"The battle is imminent. We must prioritize the people of Ye City. No matter what happens, we must not lose our composure. No matter who falls, we must not abandon the city and flee."

"If anything happens to me, Chen Cangyun, the next City Lord of Ye will be Song Hailiang!"

His words left the room in shock.

In the face of such a crisis, the City Lord didn't mention seeking help from Mr. Yi, the key decision they were all hoping for. Instead, he focused on the mundane details of city management and even announced his successor.

Why did his words sound so strange?

Even Song Hailiang, the head of the Song family, who had just been named the next City Lord, was caught off guard. He didn't have time to think too deeply about it, only looking around in confusion.

Just as everyone was about to speak, Chen Cangyun stood up and left.

"Everyone."

"Today's meeting is adjourned. I hope everyone will do their part to protect the stability of Ye City."

Watching the City Lord's retreating figure, the leaders of Ye City, though filled with doubt, had no chance to speak further. They could only bow and take their leave, dispersing with lingering questions.

The hall suddenly became eerily quiet.

Only Chen Yuxin remained, sitting in a daze, her delicate brows furrowed in confusion.

She couldn't shake the feeling that her father's words were strange, so unlike his usual commanding and decisive demeanor. The more she thought about it, the more puzzled she became. Even after returning to her room and sitting alone, she couldn't unravel the knot in her heart.

Just as she stood by the window, feeling uneasy, the door quietly opened.

The person who entered was her father, who now seemed strangely unfamiliar to her.

Gone was his usual威严, and there were no attendants following him. He entered alone, calmly carrying a redwood tray.

Chen Yuxin stared in astonishment.

Was this gentle, unassuming figure really her威严无比的 City Lord father?

Before she could speak, Chen Cangyun smiled and walked steadily into the room. He placed the tray on the small round table, carefully took out a bowl of clear soup from the tray, and then sat down with a smile, looking up at her.

"Xin'er, come sit."

His慈爱的模样 made Chen Yuxin even more surprised.

Glancing at the bowl of soup on the table, she couldn't believe her eyes.

"Father..."

"Why... why are you suddenly..."

Chen Cangyun nodded with a smile, his eyes filled with慈爱.

"Isn't this your favorite Lingxun soup?"

"I remember you always loved it when you were little. After I became the City Lord, I was so busy with mundane affairs that I never had time to make this soup for you. Thinking back now, I realize I've neglected you over the years. I hope you won't blame me."

Hearing this, Chen Yuxin felt a pang of sadness, a mix of emotions she couldn't quite describe.

Looking at the bowl of soup on the table, all the feelings she had suppressed over the years came rushing back. Tears welled up in her eyes as she sat down and carefully picked up the spoon.

A simple bowl of soup meant more to her than any praise or achievement. It felt like she had returned to the happiest and simplest times of her life, enjoying the long-lost warmth of family and her father's love.

In this moment, she was no longer the高高在上的大小姐, but the天真烂漫的小姑娘 she once was.

The soup tasted as delicious as she remembered, bringing back the same温馨 she had felt years ago.

After just a few sips, the simple joys buried deep in her memory resurfaced. No matter how many delicacies she had tasted over the years, none could compare to the lingering flavor of this simple soup.

Father and daughter sat in silence, their eyes reflecting the long-lost warmth between them.

Even after the bowl was empty, Chen Yuxin's beautiful face was filled with emotion and joy. Gone was her usual aloofness, replaced by an indescribable warmth and感动. She felt a lingering遗憾, as if this bowl of soup was worth more than any treasure in the world.

But when she looked up with tears in her eyes, her father was no longer there.

The smiling face that had just been sitting across from her had vanished. All that remained was the cold night breeze blowing through the windows and the distant cries of the people.

Suddenly, hearing those cries, Chen Yuxin's heart clenched. Her hand trembled, and the spoon fell to the ground with a sharp crack!

"Clang!"

As the spoon shattered into pieces, a terrible预感 flooded Chen Yuxin's heart, drowning out her brief moment of joy. She stood up abruptly, her face pale as if waking from a dream.

"Father? Father!"

No matter how much she called out or searched, her father was nowhere to be found in the City Lord's residence.

Far above in the night sky, Chen Cangyun looked down at the devastation of Ye City, his eyes filled with复杂 emotions. When he heard the faint cries, he clenched his teeth, turned away, and with a determined expression, shot into the clouds!

By the Luo River.

The night was dark, and the wind was cold.

Chen Cangyun stood silently by the river, his hands behind his back, his eyes closed. The cold wind brushed against his face, but his expression remained icy and resolute. A terrifying战意 emanated from his剑眉.

The surroundings grew colder, and everything was eerily quiet.

Until.

Several figures descended from the sky, and the silence of the night was shattered by loud laughter!

"Hahaha..."

"Chen Cangyun, you dare to face us alone? Are you seeking death?!"