The feelings of a reserved girl suddenly hitting you with a direct approach can be hard to grasp.

Phoenix knew that he held a significant place in Lu Siyu's heart, just as he regarded Lu Siyu as his family.

However, Lu Siyu had never expressed it as straightforwardly as today.

"Of course, I'm one of us," Phoenix said with a smile. "Didn't Grandpa say? We are inseparable."

"Grandpa entrusted the Lu Family to you," Lu Siyu looked at Phoenix and said aloud.

While the Lu Clan exerted all efforts to aid Phoenix, they also inevitably required reciprocal returns of equal measure.

Though everyone was as close as family, inseparable.

Yet, Phoenix's surname was Tang...

Lu Siyu thought it'd be better if his last name was Lu. Then they'd truly be family.

However, if his last name was Lu… he wouldn't be able to do so many things.

Only with his complex identity could he unite various forces, forging a sword, twisting a rope.

If Phoenix represented the Lu Family, and the Lu Family wanted to dominate, the Qin Family would be the first to disagree...

This is the balance of interests.

This is the politics of noble families.

Not to mention whether they could garner the Dushan Army's support and unconditional loyalty from the Tang Family remnants.

Phoenix knew Lu Siyu was reminding him, and it's quite amusing; she was clearly a direct descendant of the Lu Clan, yet through her words seemed more attached to him.

Could it be she truly considered him a bratty brother?

Phoenix looked at Lu Siyu, smiling, and said, "We've long been one entity, sharing both losses and honors."

"Everyone could betray me, but the Lu Clan won't..."

Phoenix was aware that even if the Lu Clan chose to join Shen Wuxiang's faction, Shen Wuxiang might not be afraid to accept them.

Because the Lu Clan was tied too closely to him.

Who knows if they'd stab him at a critical moment?

"Neither will I." Lu Siyu adjusted the black-rimmed glasses perched on her nose and said with utmost seriousness on her youthful face.

"..."

Phoenix thought, aren't you a Lu Family member?

Perhaps, in front of others, she was a Lu Family member.

Before him, she was Lu Siyu...

Just Lu Siyu.

The night breeze brushed past, carrying a faint salty fishy smell into their nostrils.

Actually, the smell wasn't pleasant.

In the war zone, yet they felt immensely comfortable and serene at this moment.

Is it because family and elders were nearby?

Lu Yan came by, looked at Phoenix and said, "My dad wants to talk to you."

Phoenix nodded and said, "Okay."

Both of their gazes turned to Lu Siyu, who refused and said, "I'm going to the hospital."

The old man was still lying in the hospital. Although this Barren Land was Lu Clan's territory, because of the old man's arrival, the Heavenly Craft Hospital was heavily guarded, so blocked inside that even a fly couldn't sneak in.

However, Lu Siyu still hoped to be by the old man's side.

Even being a little closer would be good.

Heavenly Army Institute, where Lu Clan's military headquarters were.

Tianji Institute, where Lu Clan's mechanical research and creation center was.

Heavenly Craft Institute, responsible half for medical treatment and also for investing in life sciences and genetic potion development.

Lu Dongyang commands the military, handling the Lu Family's military deployment and actions.

Under Lu Yan's guidance, Phoenix came to the director's office of the Heavenly Army Institute.

The Lu Clan implemented a director responsibility system, for example, the director of Tianji Institute was responsible for all mechanical research and equipment manufacturing.

This was also a historical remnant, initially, the Lu Clan didn't have the qualifications to 'station troops' abroad.

Later, besieged Lu Ban Mountain, the Lu Clan hurriedly relocated here, continuing to use the previous 'Heavenly Army Institute', unlike the Qin Family, which reorganized their troops.

Of course, such matters were merely rebranding, as the internal structure of the army still follows the 'Phoenix Army System'.

Focusing on avoiding criticism.

Though now, no one criticized.

"Director." Phoenix respectfully greeted Lu Dongyang.

Lu Dongyang had a military background, previously serving in the Flame-Bathed Legion. It was only due to being squeezed out by other family forces that he didn't get any opportunity for war merits.

In a fit of anger, he resigned and went home, starting training private family soldiers.

In the battle of Lu Ban Mountain, he was the frontline commander.

Adapting swiftly, acting decisively.

Planning strategically, gaining famed reputation within a single combat.

What he couldn't attain in decades at the Flame-Bathed Legion, in one night at Lu Ban Mountain he did.

Thus, ability matters, but platform is pivotal.

"Family, why so formal?" Lu Dongyang waved his hand and said, "Why call director? Call uncle."

Lu Dongyang and Lu Dongsheng are blood brothers, by hierarchy Phoenix should indeed call him uncle.

"Fourth Uncle." Phoenix followed smoothly, immediately adjusting his address.

"Sit down and have tea." Lu Dongyang pointed to the opposite seat, placing a freshly brewed cup of hot tea before Phoenix.

Lu Dongyang was more like a Confucian general, thin, gentle, and exuding scholarly temperament in every gesture.

"Thank you, Fourth Uncle." Phoenix smiled and sat down.

Lu Dongyang glanced at Lu Yan and said, "Sit down and listen, learn well from your brother."

"You're several years older than Phoenix, but..."

Lu Dongyang originally intended to scold his son a bit, but considering Phoenix as a junior was present, he timely restrained himself.

Lu Yan looked embarrassed, even though he was already the captain of the Fire Dragon Squadron, he lacked confidence when facing Phoenix.

The things he did, even given ten more years, wouldn't be possible.

He led a flight squadron while the other was already a local overlord, commanding the three armies.

So, he looked humbly at Tang Fei and said, "Yes, I want to learn well from General Tang. General Tang is my idol and role model."

"No need, no need, we learn from each other," Tang Fei said politely.

"Also, don't call me General Tang, just call me cousin or Tang Fei."

When they first met, Tang Fei had already made this request.

Now, he brings it up again in front of his father...

Well, this shows his high moral standing, treating the Lu Clan as his own family.

Sure enough, Lu Dongyang smiled and nodded, saying, "That's reasonable. Why call our own family member General? Tang Fei is a few years younger than you, just call him cousin."

Lu Yan looked at Tang Fei, and with difficulty said, "Cousin... please take care of me."

"You're too polite, cousin. You're the older brother, there will be many things to ask for your help in the future," Tang Fei said with a smile.

That's what he said, and that's what he thought as well.

The Lu Family, Lu Qingshan's health is getting worse, it's hard for him to have energy to handle family affairs.

Lu Dongsheng manages all family affairs, Lu Dongyang is responsible for military equipment.

In the future, when Tang Fei needs military support or armaments, he will indeed need the help of this father and son.

Calling him cousin won't be for nothing.

"Certainly, certainly," Lu Yan responded deeply.

Lu Dongyang looked at Tang Fei and asked, "Is Zhi Yong doing well at your side?"

"True to his name, intelligent and brave. He just went over and has put the Dushan Army in order, making great contributions in the recent Feng City battle," Tang Fei praised lavishly.

Anyway, good words don't cost anything.

"That's good, if he's not doing well, say so if needed, scold if needed. Don't lower your standards just because he's one of us," Lu Dongyang said sternly. "Without rules, there's no proper order, this is the way of the general and commander."

"Fourth Uncle is right, I've learned," Tang Fei humbly accepted.

Lu Dongyang laughed at himself and said, "When it comes to the skill of warfare, no one is more formidable than you Tang Family. Even Shen Wuxiang couldn't compare. If your father were still alive, would the Shen Family have anything to say?"

"Like father, like son, your rapid growth to this level has shocked us all..."

"Honestly, if possible, I would like to follow you into battle... but alas."

The Barren Land is tightly encircled by heavy troops sent by Shen Wuxiang, attempting to lead troops out would face heavy setbacks.

Even if one were to force their way out, it would result in heavy losses, reaping little benefit.

Lu Zhiyong managed to take so many people and equipment out mainly because of the timing difference...

At that time, Tang Fei hadn't gained traction yet, and Shen Wuxiang wasn't paying much attention to the Barren Land.

Even if they went out, where could they go?

Wouldn't they become isolated forces?

Honestly, Shen Wuxiang even wishes they would move out more... so that it's easier to strike.

If they were always holed up in Heavenly Craft City, Shen Family's army would have a hard time attacking it.

The situation now is entirely different, Tang Fei has immense room to maneuver, if the Lu Clan from the Barren Land or the Qin Family from Zhao Ling area were to bring people and equipment out, it would bolster Tang Fei's military might...

This is not something Shen Wuxiang wants to see.

Tang Fei is already enough to give him headaches.

"I also hope for the chance to fight alongside Fourth Uncle, but for now the Barren Land still relies on you to oversee and command. This is our stronghold."

"I can fight Shen Wuxiang bravely in front because you are my inner confidence, my strongest support."

"With your backing from the rear, I won't lose... I'll have the confidence to confront Shen Wuxiang till the end."

"Hahaha... you kid..."

Lu Dongyang was elated by Tang Fei's words, even though they are in the rear, they play a significant role.

It's the confidence and support.

Lu Yan was observing and learning seriously from the side, this boy has already become a regional Lord at a young age, certainly outstanding, deep and unfathomable.

As he learned, he began to feel something off...

Aside from eloquence, what other special talents could he see?

Could it be that eloquence is the talent?

"I believe that we will have a day where uncle and nephew can fight side by side," Lu Dongyang looked at Tang Fei and smiled, "As long as your side exerts more force, strikes more fiercely... when you reach Luoyang City... reach the doorstep of the Imperial City... Shen Wuxiang will have no choice but to retreat and reinforce."

"By then, the predicament of the Barren Land will be resolved, we can advance our forces towards the Empire's center..."

"We gather at Phoenix City, and have a good contest with Shen Wuxiang... to see who truly owns this world."

"Good." Tang Fei was also stirred by these words, his voice grew louder, and he proclaimed, "Anyone can occupy the throne of the Emperor, except for Shen Wuxiang."

Lu Dongyang nodded and said, "Virtue unworthy of the position will undoubtedly lead to disaster. Shen Wuxiang rose to power through slaughter and usurping the merit of ministers. He will definitely face reckoning."

"Certainly," Tang Fei said through clenched teeth.

No matter if others reckon or not, he's going to pursue reckoning.

The rise of Shen Family stands on the bones of the entire Tang Family...

Including his own parents.

Lu Dongyang sipped his tea, and looked at Tang Fei saying, "I invited you over to discuss your upcoming military plans, see if we can work together here..."

"The best would be all parties acting simultaneously, making Shen Wuxiang feel greater pressure. With increased pressure, he's more likely to make mistakes."

"Let's discuss together." Tang Fei readily agreed.

He laid out the military plans crafted by the Staff Headquarters without worry that Lu Dongyang and Lu Yan would leak them.

When the ship capsizes, they all drown together.

------

Tian Gong Hospital.

Tang Fei held tightly onto the old man's living hand and smiled, "Old man, you just lie here. I'll go bring Doctor Qin Luo over, once he's here, your illness will be cured..."

"When that time comes, you can't be lazy anymore, you have to get up and work for me... After all, Shen Wuxiang is still alive and kicking, you can't bear to see that, right?"

After saying this, Tang Fei took a deep look at the old man in the coffin, then released his grip, turned around and strode towards the outside.

Bang!

The door of the sterile convalescent room closed once more.

In a place Tang Fei couldn't see, the old man's finger twitched slightly.

As if he wanted to keep Tang Fei from leaving, wanted to hold him back.

It's dangerous there, don't go.

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