A life of leisure is worse than a life of flowers and splendour

The group returned to the temporary base, feeling somewhat exhausted both physically and mentally. On the way back, the men all went to the mountain bay to take a shower. It wasn't so convenient for the women, but Du Shuangshuang and Second Uncle both knew the Dust Purification Technique, and they didn't think of hiding it from everyone. For those who couldn't go, they used the Dust Purification Technique directly, and everyone immediately felt clean and refreshed. After packing up, everyone rested in groups, because this was a temporary base in the wild and it wasn't very safe, so someone had to be guarding it. Otherwise, who would dare to rest? What if a wild beast or a group of bandits came and killed them in their sleep? What an unfair death! Everyone was exhausted these days, and those who were resting soon fell into a deep sleep.

The Du family had been completely absorbed in the spirit stone mines for the past few days, single-mindedly digging for spirit stones and oblivious to the world outside. Yet, at this moment, the outside world was experiencing a strange bustle and bustle. When they returned to their temporary base, the old man's tent was already piled high with news of all kinds. Even more astonishing was the constant flow of new information arriving daily, information from all quarters pouring into the old man's hands like snowflakes.

Elder Du had long been closely watched by all nations. After all, he was a crucial figure in the defense of the Great Xia Kingdom, a master military commander known for his commanding power, commanding the world with a single lance. His presence intimidated the neighboring states. His sudden disappearance left the emperor distraught and furious, yet he dared not speak publicly and instead sought to cover up the incident. However, the urgent repositioning of border defenses and the capital, requiring a massive mobilization of troops, created a tense situation that could hardly go unnoticed. Word of the general's disappearance quickly spread. Initially, however, the smaller neighboring states hesitated, fearing it might be an elaborate trap or ruse, and remained vigilant and cautious.

However, as time went on, and these reports corroborated the various intelligence gathered in the capital, many people began to become increasingly concerned. First, the Tatars in the north were becoming increasingly rampant. They frequently launched probing attacks in the border areas, repeatedly crossing the border, wantonly burning, killing, and looting, and their actions became increasingly brazen and reckless. Then, similar signs emerged not only in the north, but also in the northeast, southeast, east, west, and south.

By this time, the Great Xia Empire was overwhelmed by the harassment, and the people were in panic. The emperor finally resolved to take drastic measures to suppress the rebellion, but found himself facing an awkward situation: the generals originally responsible for guarding the border were almost all newly promoted by him in recent years. To consolidate their power, these generals had transferred the subordinates of the veteran generals, even marginalizing some. Furthermore, these new generals lacked practical combat experience and were forced to retreat in the face of the enemy's attacks.

At this, the surrounding small nations erupted in excitement. They realized this might be a rare opportunity, and feared that if they acted too late, the benefits would be snatched away by others. Consequently, these nations dispatched their armies to join the chaos. For a time, the entire border region was engulfed in flames of war.

Years of repression had accumulated like a volcano, gathering energy, ready to erupt with the fiery force of lava. The Great Xia Kingdom had been forced to abandon many border cities, its territory shrinking dramatically. Morning court sessions were filled with bickering and chaos. Some insisted on fighting, but no suitable generals were available. Others advocated peace talks, ceding territory and paying compensation. Failing that, they could offer a princess as a marriage—anything to avoid war. Finally, the emperor compromised and employed some of the old general's subordinates.

However, after years of repression, the resentment in these people's hearts was hard to dissipate, and some of them went to great lengths to find excuses to avoid appointment. Moreover, everyone knew the tragic end of the old general, so who would want to be the next victim? So, some chose to be content with the status quo, thinking that this was better. Others decided to fight for their future and eventually regained most of the lost territory. The outcome of this war was not only related to the honor and disgrace of the country, but also to the future lives of countless people. In some occupied areas, the city was brutally massacred, and the better-off people were also treated as slaves. Burning, killing, and looting were everywhere, and countless people lived in dire straits. At this time, many people still could not bear to watch, even if they might face even more difficult difficulties in the future, they could not bear to see the people of the world suffer.

But the Situ family was unruly! Fresh off their victory, they couldn't wait to find all sorts of excuses to discipline the border generals. First, they claimed they couldn't get enough food and fodder, then they started withholding their pay. How could these loyal soldiers, so brave and devoted to their country, accept this? These generals, fed up with their fate, decided to go all out and oust the Situ family from the throne. In just one month, the throne of the Great Xia Kingdom had been passed down to a new family.

However, these things have little to do with Du Shuangshuang. She doesn't care who becomes the emperor, and she doesn't have a strong sense of belonging here. Instead, the relationship between the old man and the second uncle changes more dramatically. On the other hand, the second aunt is much calmer. Apart from practicing every day, she doesn't care much about the war outside, and her cousin cares even less.

Du Shuangshuang didn't care who managed this land, as long as they didn't provoke her, but the original owner would be very happy to know. Now that she had enough spirit stones, she no longer had to worry about spiritual power. During battle, ordinary low-grade spirit stones would definitely not replenish spiritual power quickly enough, but mid- to high-grade spirit stones were about the same. Especially high-grade spirit stones, they were more than enough for their Qi Refining Stage consumption. If she found her father in the future, she would definitely do everything she could to reach the Immortal Cultivation Realm. Of course, if she couldn't find him, Du Shuangshuang would also find a way to get there. Even if her grandfather didn't have spiritual roots, living in a place like the Immortal Cultivation Realm, which was full of spiritual energy, would definitely improve his physical condition and extend his lifespan. Therefore, Du Shuangshuang's biggest concern now was how to find her father as soon as possible and get her family out of this troubled place.

Because the capital had changed its name, there was no need to hide their whereabouts. The old man liked this place very much, so he planned to stay here for the time being. If he could find the Xiuxian Realm, Du Shuangshuang would come back and bring everyone with him. If he couldn't find it, they would come back and settle down here together.

Originally, Du Shuangshuang wanted to go alone, and her second uncle could stay to guide her second aunt and cousin in their cultivation, but her second uncle insisted on going with her.

"I have the ability now. Of course I will go to find my elder brother. Besides, didn't I leave the incense behind? As long as Zhengze is here, our family's incense will be there. As for cultivation, having Zhengze here is enough. For the rest, there are jade slips. I won't be needed at all." Uncle Du Antai said firmly.

"Yes, I'll feel more at ease with your uncle around, so let him accompany you. But no matter what, you must ensure your own safety. If your uncle and I can't make up our minds about anything, come back and talk to me. After all, I've experienced more than you do," the old man sighed. He knew his granddaughter was stubborn and would be hard to change once she made a decision, so he could only urge her to be careful.

"Yes, niece, you don't have to worry about the family. We can take care of it. Let your second uncle accompany you." Although the second aunt had reluctance in her eyes, she also knew that this search for the eldest brother was very important to Du Antai. The affairs of the eldest brother had always been a knot in his heart, so she insisted on letting her husband go.

Although there was a war, both of them were quite skilled. As long as they didn't have to fight the army, it wouldn't be a big deal. Even if they did, they could just run away. Du Shuangshuang's flying shuttle had already been branded with divine consciousness. When needed, it could fly by pressing a spirit stone. The fastest speed was comparable to that of a Yuanying cultivator flying with a sword, which was beyond the reach of mortals. But it consumed too many spirit stones. Spirit stones were so precious, especially since there was almost no spiritual power here. If you can't find the world of immortal cultivation, then once you run out of spirit stones and elixirs, you will never be able to cultivate again. It would be fine if you had never cultivated before, but now that you have cultivated, who would want to go back? It is said that it is easy to go from frugality to luxury, but it is difficult to go from luxury to frugality. The same is true for cultivation. Just like me now, I have to bring a maid to serve me when I go out. Who would be willing to do everything by themselves if there is someone to serve them?

Several people were riding horses, firstly to travel faster, and secondly because they had storage bags, so they didn't need a carriage to pull things. Second Uncle Du was still using the storage bag. Du Shuangshuang hadn't asked for the one he had given to everyone, so he left it for everyone to use, since there were still some of them in the space anyway. As for the space bracelet he had given to Second Uncle, after confirming that Second Aunt could practice, he put it on Second Aunt's wrist. Second Uncle really loved his wife, and he piled all the good things on her. He was also a well-known henpecked man in the capital, but this had nothing to do with Second Aunt. Second Aunt was very gentle, and it was Second Uncle who was strict with himself.