The army’s advance could not be compared to the two of them traversing mountains as if walking on flat ground. Not only were ordinary people’s physical abilities far inferior to cultivators, but the transportation of numerous supplies and military equipment also required relatively flat roads.

“In previous winters, people still entered the mountains. Locals know a small path that can be used to cross the mountains on days without snow, though it takes longer and avalanches are common.”

It sounded quite risky, especially since the Wei army had enemies surrounding them. The Yao people wouldn’t mind creating some “accidents,” like avalanches perhaps? Simple, easy, and effective.

“That would be an excellent spot for an ambush,” Feng Miaojun asked curiously. “Doesn’t His Majesty know this? Why does he insist on crossing the mountain?”

“How could he not know?” Yun Ya took a light sip of clear tea. “Even if he were momentarily confused, with so many people remonstrating and advising him, how could he not understand?”

In this great army, perhaps only this person before her would dare casually call the King of Wei “confused.”

“Then?”

“He’s getting impatient,” Yun Ya said mockingly. “His donning of battle armor this morning was merely a show, signaling to everyone his determination: this city must be taken, and these snow mountains must be crossed.”

Impatient… to conquer the Kingdom of Yao? Was that worth gambling with everyone’s lives?

“Use this more,” Yun Ya saw her half-understanding expression and tapped her forehead with his finger. “He’s getting old. If he misses this opportunity, he may not have many more chances for distant expeditions.”

She made a sound of realization, understanding now.

The King of Wei was indeed impatient—impatient to prove himself to the world, to prove the Wei Kingdom’s strength.

And the King couldn’t wait any longer. If the royal army stopped before Xiao Pass, the King would know he must return.

As the saying goes, a kingdom cannot go a single day without its ruler. The Wei capital was vulnerable without him presiding over it. Although the Third Prince was currently managing affairs, he was still too young and inexperienced.

So this personal campaign would come to an end here.

The conquest of An Xia was already an eight-year-old accomplishment. How many more eight-year periods did he have left in his life? The King was eager to add another great achievement to his monument.

As for crossing the snow mountains, there was indeed danger. But if the royal army retreated before any threat was detected, it would diminish their prestige and boost the Yao Kingdom’s morale.

Even if there were ambushes, could they harm the Wei army? This battle hadn’t even begun—there were still many unknowns.

For these uncertainties, the King was willing to take a gamble.

Yun Ya shrugged and said, “If he were to be overcautious due to potential threats, he wouldn’t have reached his current position. His approach isn’t necessarily wrong. If we can take Wufu Snow Mountain, there’s a vast, fertile basin beyond the mountains. The royal army would immediately gain significant strategic depth, making it much more difficult for the Yao Kingdom to deploy defenses against us.”

Rich rewards for success, devastating price for failure.

Yun Ya asked her, “If you were the King, what would you choose?”

Without hesitation, Feng Miaojun replied, “Cross the mountain.”

The current situation seemed to offer multiple options, but for the highest decision-maker, there was only one path—to continue advancing.

Otherwise, this eastern expedition would be over.

Putting herself in his position, Feng Miaojun immediately understood the King’s choice. Despite the difficulties, they had to press on.

She recalled the King’s earlier account.

Like Xiao Yan, he had once been a Second Prince but eventually ascended to the throne. That journey must have been fraught with hardships. If he had feared difficulties then, how could he have become the King of Wei?

Therefore, such a ruler inevitably possessed a gambler’s character. Gambling small amounts of money made one a gambler, but staking national fortune and people’s strength—only a hero would dare.

Thinking of this, something stirred in her heart. The former Second Prince of Wei had become King, and that was when Yun Ya sought him out. So what did Yun Ya see in this country, in this man?

With this thought, she softly asked, “Young Master, why did you choose to become the State Preceptor of Wei?”

Yun Ya raised an eyebrow and said amusedly, “Do you even need to ask? Which cultivator under heaven wouldn’t want to be a State Preceptor? Have you asked Mo Tizhun this question?”

She shook her head. Indeed, she had asked a foolish question. This position was one that countless cultivators would fight tooth and nail for—why ask “why”? But she always felt Yun Ya’s purpose wasn’t so simple, a feeling that grew stronger after hearing the King’s account. Most importantly, what was that final unspoken sentence from the King—

He thought Yun Ya was very much like… like what?

“Why not ask?”

“It’s none of my business,” she answered immediately without thinking, then regretted it deeply.

Sure enough, Yun Ya’s eyes immediately lit up: “Oh? So An’an cares about me that much.”

You misunderstand. She opened her mouth but ultimately lacked the courage to speak the truth.

However, now it was Yun Ya’s turn to question her: “What did the King say when he summoned you?”

She hesitated a bit. That old lecher’s initial words were unspeakable. Yet Yun Ya straightened his expression and told her: “Tell me everything, word for word.”

“Yes.” She only recounted the latter half, then asked him, “Why did His Majesty summon me?”

After listening to every word, Yun Ya stroked his chin for a while before saying, “It’s rare for me to have someone new by my side. The old man wanted to try winning you over. When he heard you’re a cultivator, he must have been quite annoyed.”

“Indeed.” Recalling the King’s expression at that time, it certainly wasn’t pleasant. Had she been an ordinary person, the old monarch would have had ways to persuade her to betray Yun Ya. But as a cultivator, she naturally gravitated toward Yun Ya.

“Moreover, he wanted to use you to test me.”

“Test what?” What about her was worth the King’s exploitation? He only gave two cryptic words in response: “Weakness.”

She didn’t quite understand. Yun Ya pinched her cheek and sighed softly. The King must have noticed his overprotectiveness toward An’an and wanted to test her importance to him. When he learned that Feng Miaojun had been taken to the royal tent today, he should have waited longer before seeking her out, but—

But if he couldn’t even follow his heart on such a small matter, what was the point of being a State Preceptor?

Yun Ya stood too close, making her feel uncomfortable all over. Seeing him lost in thought, she quickly said, “I’ll go out and take a look,” and started to leave.

Unexpectedly, just as she took a step, an arm extended before her, pressing against the pillar and blocking her path.

“Wait,” his lips curved into a half-smile. “What’s the rush? I haven’t finished my questions.”

“Ah, please ask.” Was this a kabedon? They were even closer now, his chin almost touching her forehead. She could only lower her head desperately, wishing she could show him only the back of her head.

He seemed to be smiling: “What else did the King say?”

She played dumb: “Nothing more, I already…”

“If it was just what you mentioned, why call General Mei Ji over?” Yun Ya chuckled lightly. “Did he want to use you to make Xu Guangxiang give up on me?”

What a demon! Was there anything he couldn’t see through?