Volume One, Chapter 125: I'm Tired, Going to Sleep First.

“What?! Severing the Great Xia dragon vein?! Are they out of their minds?” Liuli almost jumped to her feet. Fortunately, Jiang Chen had already sealed off all external communications, so no one else could overhear their conversation.

“Are these fools insane? Do they think they can just tamper with the Great Xia dragon vein at will? Besides, we have so many masters in Great Xia, plenty of land immortals among them. Could it be that they’re all gone?!” Liuli’s words left Li Changsheng and Jiang Chen at a loss for how to respond.

Jiang Chen understood Liuli’s feelings well; he, too, had wanted to stand up just moments ago.

“Sit down first and listen to what Changsheng has to say,” Jiang Chen urged.

Liuli was still young and inexperienced, and over the years, her education had shaped her into a devoted patriot. Such emotions were natural—not only for her but for everyone present, though no one else showed it.

Li Changsheng continued, “I don’t know all the details, but I heard that Japan has dispatched three top-tier Onmyoji from the Abe family, along with numerous death warriors. This operation is massive, and they seem determined not to withdraw until their mission is complete.”

Liuli pulled out her phone. “I’m calling my father now. I’ll volunteer to take down those fools and uphold the honor of Great Xia!”

Jiang Chen couldn’t help but admire Liuli. This young woman was truly a heroine, unafraid to serve her country without hesitation. Whenever Great Xia needed her, she would heed the call without question.

Shen Huaizhu’s eyes held the same resolute determination—no doubt she shared Liuli’s sentiments.

Li Changsheng clenched his fists. “I’ll handle this myself. You’re not from Section 509, and if anything goes wrong, I can’t explain it to the higher-ups. Especially you, Liuli—you’re the daughter of the Sect Leader of Qingyun Sword Sect. If something happens to you, the sect will hold us responsible.”

Liuli retorted, “That won’t happen. Even if my father knows, he won’t object. He’ll definitely support me.”

Shen Huaizhu said, “Liuli, call your master and see what he thinks. If he disagrees, I’ll go in your place. If he agrees, we’ll go together.”

Facing the Onmyoji from the island nation didn’t faze Jiang Chen. He had dealt with them before. Their Onmyoji powers originated from Xu Fu’s eastern voyage, differing in path and methods, and their practices had not spread as widely, tending toward the shadowy side.

Still, highly skilled Onmyoji were formidable. When Jiang Chen was on the island, he had taken down several, though it had cost him much effort—and at that time, he was not yet very strong.

Without hesitation, Liuli angrily dialed her father’s number. Coincidentally, Lin Jianxin, the Sect Leader of Qingyun Sword Sect, was waiting for her call.

He had sought a divination from the acting leader of Longhu Mountain and foresaw that his precious daughter would call today. So he had returned early and waited for half an hour.

The call connected instantly. Lin Jianxin had intended to scold and then soothe his daughter, but Liuli spoke first.

“Dad, I want to go to the Lingqin region to protect the dragon vein. Will you let me go?”

Her words froze the air.

“No!” Lin Jianxin replied firmly, leaving no room for argument.

“Why not? Isn’t protecting Great Xia something every one of us should do?” Liuli’s tone was resolute.

“Protecting Great Xia is our duty, yes, but you need the strength to do it. Sending you now would be a futile sacrifice. Besides, even if you go, what can you really accomplish?” Lin Jianxin’s words made everyone fall into thought.

The island nation was well-prepared. Although Liuli was strong among the younger generation, she was not prominent on the international stage. Moreover, the island’s dispatched forces were surely their finest talents. Whether they liked it or not, this was an unavoidable fact. Underestimating them meant certain defeat.

From a father’s perspective, Jiang Chen felt Lin Jianxin’s stance was justified, even wise.

“If you won’t let me go, then I won’t,” Liuli said, her tone softening.

“That’s better. It’s too dangerous for you. You might as well take a good trip instead—that way, you’re safe, and I can rest easy,” Lin Jianxin replied.

Liuli chuckled bitterly. “I plan never to return. I’ll head out on missions at sea, so you’ll never see me again!”

Lin Jianxin had been jovial moments ago but was now speechless.

“So, will you let me go or not?” Liuli’s resolve grew firmer.

One side had to relent eventually.

Lin Jianxin sighed on the other end. “Alright, I won’t say more. If you want to go, fine. But you can’t go alone—you must have a very strong protector. If necessary, I’ll go myself.”

He was willing to risk himself for his daughter’s safety, but only if absolutely necessary, as he had more pressing matters at hand.

“My senior sister is here. You know her strength. She can protect me,” Liuli said, sensing her father was softening.

Lin Jianxin’s voice was cold. “Not enough, far from it. Your senior sister is strong but can’t guarantee your safety—she can only protect herself.”

Liuli protested, “Even if my senior sister can’t, there’s Changsheng. He’s powerful, and he can fly on his sword. Even if we can’t defeat them, we can escape.”

Lin Jianxin remained firm. “Not enough. Too weak.”

Li Changsheng fell silent.

He had to maintain decorum with Lin Jianxin in the future and couldn’t offend him.

But Lin Jianxin was right—Liuli’s current strength was not yet among the very top.

After much deliberation, they knew Lin Jianxin would never allow Liuli to go without a strong protector. If she went alone, she would surely be brought back.

Jiang Chen looked up and said, “Give me the phone. I’ll talk to your father.”

“What? You’ll talk to my dad?” Liuli was incredulous.

To her, Jiang Chen was formidable, but not yet someone who could convince her father.

Jiang Chen nodded, and Liuli handed over the phone, hoping for a miracle.

Jiang Chen took the call. “Hello, Mr. Lin. This is Jiang Chen.”

Lin Jianxin was visibly startled. “You?! You’re Jiang Chen?! Leader of Longhu Mountain?”

Jiang Chen smiled. “Yes. I’m with them.”

On the other end, Lin Jianxin relaxed. “Liuli, you can go. I’m a bit tired now, so I’ll sleep first.”