Though Third Master Jing tried his best to convince him to stay, after lingering for one night,
That evening, Jiang Chen gathered all the powerful experts who had accompanied him.
This return trip was different from the journey here. When they had come, Jiang Chen hadn't wanted everyone traveling together because he feared any incident might derail his plan to propose a marriage alliance for his father.
Now, heading back, the strategy had to change once more.
"Young Master Jiang Chen, congratulations on reuniting with your parents. I suppose our mission is complete as well?"
"Yes, now that we're heading back, what does Young Master Jiang Chen have in mind?"
Everyone looked at Jiang Chen, eager to hear what he had to say.
This was something Jiang Chen had pondered for a long time.
"Everyone, when we came here, we traveled in separate groups. But for the return journey, it would be best for us all to travel together."
Jiang Chen clasped his fists and said, "I have all of you to thank for your unwavering support. Once we return, I will rush to refine Pine and Crane Pills for everyone. Sect Master Han, Head Su, you will each receive one as well."
Su Huanzhen's eyes lit up as well. She had helped Jiang Chen purely because she took a liking to him, and also because of her past relationship with Great Emperor Peacock—something she treasured deeply. It was out of affection for him that she had grown so close to both Jiang Chen and Glazed Tile City.
She hadn't expected to receive a Pine and Crane Pill as well. Wasn't this a delightful surprise?
"Everyone, to be perfectly honest, I am somewhat uneasy about the road back. That is why I humbly ask that we all travel together. Should any unforeseen circumstances arise, I will need to rely on your divine abilities."
Jiang Chen was being completely upfront.
Great Emperor Jingzhong chuckled. "Such a grand favor with the Pine and Crane Pills—we should see this through to the end. Everyone, Young Master Jiang Chen has treated us well. Surely none of you would refuse such a small request?"
Great Emperor Ruoyi giggled. "The more the merrier. I don't see anything wrong with traveling together. We can look out for one another, can't we?"
"Traveling alone or together—it's all the same in the end. Young Master Jiang Chen is a straightforward man, and we should be straightforward too. Let's travel together."
"Yes, let's travel together!"
These independent Great Emperors had Pine and Crane Pills on their minds, so at this moment, none of them would naturally refuse Jiang Chen's invitation.
Seeing that no one had any objections, Jiang Chen clasped his fists and smiled. "Thank you all for your gracious support. Everyone, make your preparations. We set out first thing tomorrow morning."
…
Inside Third Master Jing's residence,
Jiang Chen let out a soft sigh. "Father, I have a persistent feeling that something will happen on this return trip."
Jiang Feng countered, "Even if something does happen, you've brought so many powerful experts along—what is there to fear? With all of them together, what force in the entire Upper Eight Domains could stand against them?"
Jiang Feng had learned that his son planned to have him and his wife
Jiang Feng felt that his son's arrangement was unnecessary.
With so many Great Emperor-level experts as escorts, he couldn't believe there would be any trouble.
But Jiang Chen insisted on making these arrangements, and Jiang Feng found it somewhat hard to understand.
"Feng, don't blame Chen'er. He has accomplished so much over the years. If he arranges things this way, there must be a reason." Xu Meng defended their son.
Jiang Feng sighed. "I'm not blaming him. If he wants to arrange things this way, he must have his reasons. Very well, let's follow Chen'er's plan."
Jiang Chen was naturally generous with his father, providing him with a large collection of life-saving treasures. As long as they didn't encounter any overwhelmingly powerful opponents, their survival would be virtually assured.
Of course, this was Jiang Chen's classic maneuver—a feint in one direction while advancing through another.
Once his parents were disguised, they wouldn't attract attention. Adding the detour and Gu Xintang's personal protection, there shouldn't be any significant problems.
After all, Gu Xintang was considered a high-ranking member of the Moon God Sect. With the sect's standing, very few people would deliberately cross him—unless they knew the inside story.
"Xintang, this matter is of utmost importance. You must see it through," Jiang Chen admonished.
Gu Xintang was genuinely grateful to Jiang Chen. His marriage would have fallen through long ago without the help of Jiang Chen and Great Emperor Wushuang.
And Jiang Chen had even given him a Pine and Crane Pill.
Most importantly, Gu Xintang was the adopted son of Great Emperor Wushuang and Lady Yun, making him the most trustworthy person for this task.
"Young Master Jiang Chen, even if it costs me my life, I will see this through."
"There's no need for such grim words. As long as you follow the route I've laid out, avoid the critical checkpoints, and take the longer path, you'll arrive safely."
Jiang Chen smiled. "I'll do my best to buy us time on my end."